TV nod to N.Z. Party

Press, 28 July 1987, Page 3

TV nod to N.Z. Party

Political reporter

The Broadcasting Corporation yesterday said the New Zealand Party would be allowed 24 minutes of free broadcasting time during the General Election campaign. The New Zealand Party has nominated candidates in 31 electorates, or a third of the 93 general electorates (excluding Maori seats). This was sufficient for eligibility, said the corporation.

The New Zealand Party’s 31 candidates were thought to be one short of the number required to gain access to free time on television.

It has suggested that its intended candidate for the northern seat of Hobson could not find the returning officer last Saturday, the final day for nomination. But the returning officer said he was at work from 8 a.m. on Saturday, with his door open. The New Zealand Party is fielding four Christchurch people as candidates for Auckland electorates.

An Auckland woman will contest Christchurch Central for the party. The party’s leader, an

Auckland businessman, Mr Stephen Greenfield, said yesterday that odd positioning of candidates was being done ■ to highlight the absurdity of the requirements for access to television broadcasting time. “They’re playing the numbers game. They’re not looking at the quality of ideas. They’re not looking at their statutory obligation to inform the public of New Zealand of ■what the various parties are offering,” he said.

Mr Greenfield is standing in the North Shore seat. of Auckland. The deputy leader, Alan Blackadder, a Christchurch real estate executive, is contesting West Coast. His wife, Michelle, is a candidate for the South Auckland seat of Pajiakura.

The other Christchurchresident candidates for the party in Auckland are: Ray Wilson, retired, New Lynn seat; Isobel Martin, a nurse, Papatoetoe; and Brian Murray, a businessman, Roskill. »

An Auckland teacher, Lynn Yeoman, will contest Christchurch Central for the New Zealand Party. Another Aucklander, Keith Ralph will stand in Ohariu, the Wellington seat were . the Party’s former leader, Bob Jones, polled the party’s highest vote last election.

Mr Jones attempted to fold the party in 1985 because he said it could limit the chances of the Labour Government being re-elected. A revival under a Mata- - mata farmer, John Galvin, petered out last year. Mr Greenfield, the latest leader, is an Auckland travel entrepreneur best known for the luxury coaches his company is ’ running on the PictonChristchurch rail link. He plans a similar service to Greymouth.