Benson-Pope David: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Benson-Pope David: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:616;Page:12252] 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Acting Minister of Broadcasting): 
 I move  
That the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill be now read a third time 
. This bill represents the final step in the first 5-yearly review of Radio New Zealand’s charter. The Radio New Zealand Act which incorporates the Radio New Zealand charter is a major part of the public broadcasting landscape. This bill and the process of its development are part of the ongoing maintenance that is so essential as we keep our sights on the objectives of that charter. 
In December 2000 the Commerce Committee was asked to undertake the review of Radio New Zealand’s charter and it tabled its report on 21 December 2001. That report was supportive of the charter and suggested only a few minor legislative changes to assist Radio New Zealand to engage fully with the spirit of its charter. The Government considered the report and agreed with its recommendations. As not all parties supported the inclusion of the proposed amendments in the Statutes Amendment Bill (No 3) of 2003 the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill incorporates those amendments. The Commerce Committee called for submissions on the bill and all submissions received were generally supportive of the proposed changes. The select committee did not recommend any change to the bill except to amend the commencement date of the bill to January 2004. This date was changed again during the Committee stage we have just sat through to 1 July 2004. 
The bill proposes three areas of change. Firstly the bill proposes changes of wording to incorporate certain concerns raised by submitters during the initial review of the charter. Those changes were supported by the committee. It adds the words “spiritual and ethical” to existing requirements that Radio New Zealand provide programmes that contribute to intellectual scientific and cultural development. Those additional dimensions recognise the wider role of public broadcasting in contributing to the information needs of New Zealand’s increasingly diverse society and culture. There is also a new requirement to include programmes for a full range of age groups designed to ensure that the needs of children are included. 
Secondly the bill proposes requiring Radio New Zealand to provide an international radio service to the South Pacific—Radio New Zealand International. That gives recognition to the importance of this service which has been part of Radio New Zealand’s operation for 13 years. 
Thirdly the bill proposes requiring Radio New Zealand to survey the views of non-listeners of Radio New Zealand and to inform the shareholding Ministers of the result of those surveys as part of its annual report. That will assist in assessing Radio New Zealand’s performance against its charter obligations and inform future programming decisions that may increase the size of its audience. 
During the Committee stage many members of this Parliament and others would have been rather surprised to hear the objection of members of the Opposition to the inclusion of the words “spiritual and ethical” in that charter. Even more surprising is the announcement in the documents that background those select committee discussions that the National Party confirms its view that it would privatise or sell in some way Radio New Zealand in the future. 
Radio New Zealand’s charter embodies its public broadcasting remit to provide innovative comprehensive independent high-quality services for all New Zealanders—public services for all New Zealanders. That remit is of even greater importance to a diverse and democratic society in a fast-changing and globalised world. Reviewing the charter periodically is important to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of New Zealanders. Recognising that the charter has served the public well this bill incorporates minor amendments intended to enhance the charter by encompassing Radio New Zealand’s role more fully. The proposed amendments in the bill extend and embed the responsive and interactive relationship with audiences that is so essential to the role of Radio New Zealand as a public broadcaster. 
Finally I would like to acknowledge submitters on the bill the valued work of the members of the original Commerce Committee in their thorough and considered review and also the members of the current select committee and the Committee of the whole House for hearing and progressing this bill so efficiently.