The 2011 Rugby World Cup will only be able to be seen by 85 percent of the country if Maori TV's bid is successful. Photo / Getty Images

The 2011 Rugby World Cup will only be able to be seen by 85 percent of the country if Maori TV's bid is successful. Photo / Getty Images

Thousands of people will miss out on free live cover of the Rugby World Cup if Maori Television's taxpayer-funded bid for the right to screen games succeeds.

Maori TV has used $3 million or more of public money from Te Puni Kokiri to boost its bid for the free-to-air rights well above those of TVNZ and TV3.

But unlike the commercial channels, Maori TV broadcasts to only 90 per cent of the country.

So people in towns such as Russell, Paihia, Kaikohe, Wellsford, Warkworth, Coromandel, Whitianga and Queenstown would miss out.

The only way they could get Maori TV is through Sky or by signing up to Freeview

The rights cover 16 matches, including the final, semifinals, quarter-finals and All Black pool games.

Maori TV has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the rights after Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples authorised the funding boost.

The go-ahead was given without being referred to the Cabinet.

Mr Sharples said the bid created opportunities for Maori business and would create new jobs.

"I would also love to see iwi radio stations broadcasting games live on their networks, and all New Zealanders getting help and encouragement to use Maori words and phrases in everyday conversation," Dr Sharples said.

He said with the uptake Freeview, Maori Television will be available to more than 90 per cent of New Zealanders by the beginning of the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

The bid has been criticised by Labour's Rugby World Cup spokesman, Trevor Mallard, who said Maori TV "simply won't get [these games] to as many New Zealand houses".

There were also questions about the commentary and coverage team as Maori TV did not regularly cover rugby - although Mr Mallard believed this could be developed in the two years before the Cup.

Prime Minister John Key this morning said if a taxpayer-funded broadcaster wins a bid to screen Rugby World Cup games they should be able to be seen by everyone.

"It is my absolute expectation that all New Zealanders get an opportunity to view those 16 games free to air," Mr Key told Breakfast on TV One.

"And if Maori Television don't have that capacity then they'd better work out a way (to deliver)."