Letters

Radio New Zealand replies

RADIO New Zealand In ternational’s shortwave service to the Pacific is providing a vital service and efforts are continuously being made to improve it.

The recent report of difficulties in Pacific Islands Monthly was distorted and groundless.

Radio New Zealand has made no secret that there have been teething difficulties with the new 100 kilowatt transmitter and that, in the first year of operation, some budgetary and operational matters are still being worked through with the Ministry.

The unidentified author of the published report infers that Radio New Zealand International is on the point of collapse and that is totally irresponsible and incorrect. RNZ and MERT (Ministry of External Relations and Trade) confirm their commitment to maintaining and developing Radio New Zealand International’s services because of the important role it plays in giving New Zealand a louder and clearer voice in the Pacific.

There is no disagreement about the

funding and operational arrangements for the service and officials are simply

working constructively together to

develop the most appropriate structure which meets the particular needs of a very new shortwave service. To suggest otherwise is grossly misleading and misrepresents the considerable efforts of both the Ministry of External Relations and Trade and Radio New Zealand.

We deplore the fact that Pacific Islands

Letters To The Editor Must

include writer's full name, address and home telephone number. All letters may be edited for purposes of clarity or space.

Letters should be addressed to: lslands Monthly PO Box 1167 Suva Fiji Islands OR Fax: (679) 303809

Monthly has published an article whose author is unidentified, which does not source its information, and for which comment from either RNZ or MERT was not sought.

Radio New Zealand International has been broadcasting since late January and, despite losses of transmission, its news, sport and programming have been warmly received in the Pacific and around the world. Around the South Pacific, RNZI news broadcasts in 14 Pacific languages are regularly relayed by radio stations in the region and programmes are recorded by broadcasters from Papua New Guinea to French Polynesia and Hawaii.

In short, and despite teething problems, Radio New Zealand International is already accomplishing its role effectively and reaching a range of audiences which had not heard New Zealand’s voice.

GK Ansell,

New Zealand Secretary of External Relations and Trade.

Beverley A Wakem, Ch ief Executive’

Radio New Zealand Limited