M.O.T. critical of ‘Roche’

Press, 3 July 1985, Page 15

M.O.T. critical of ‘Roche’

PA Wellington The New Zealand television series, “Roche,” has been described as “garbage” by the Ministry of Transport’s controller of public affairs. Mr Errol Millar was asked to comment on the show after a complaint to the Broadcasting Corporation by the Labour Department last week. Mr Millar said the ministry was very concerned about the image of traffic officers portrayed in the series. It was “far from reality.” The lax attitude to driving habits and road safety portrayed on the show was also of concern. The ministry intended waiting until the series

ended and then would probably say something to the Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Millar said. He criticised one episode in which a traffic officer provided information from the Wanganui Computer Centre, saying that was not how officers got their information and it was not legal. Other incidents of concern portrayed on the show included overtaking at speed, dangerous driving and one instance where a huge truck was driven straight at a picket line of people. Foul language, sex, violence and “shafting” authority have been put together under the guise of entertainment, Mr Millar said.