The Labour MP for Tamaki Makaurau says suggestions Maori Television could move its headquarters to Rotorua are bizarre and has called for more transparency from the state-funded broadcaster.
Labour MP Peeni Henare Photo: RNZ / Demelza Leslie
Peeni Henare said he has been hearing word since before the election that the managers of Maori TV have been considering moving to Rotorua.
But the broadcaster said it was merely looking at options for when the lease on its Auckland premises expires in 2017.
Mr Henare said he was all for a review of Maori TV services, but more transparency was needed.
"Every organisation and company goes through those regularly, and that's fine, but just some transparency about it," he said.
"People are asking and I dare say as part of that review, if they looked at moving the operation to Rotorua, and why spring it on us, or why does it have to be exposed the way that it has been, instead of just coming upfront with it?"
Maori Television chief executive Paora Maxwell said there had been no determination on whether to move to Rotorua, or anywhere else.
Mr Maxwell said the state-funded broadcaster has been in talks with the Rotorua District Council, but also the Hamilton City Council and Auckland Council, on possible relocation in 2017.
He said much scoping work remained to be done, and the final decision will be made by the board of directors.