Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell is accusing the Labour Party of jeopardising the selection process for the next Maori Television chief executive.
Former TVNZ general manager of Maori and Pacific Programmes, Paora Maxwell and Maori development consultant, Richard Jefferies are believed to be the final contenders for the top position. Mr Maxwell is of Te Arawa and Ngati Rangiwewehi descent while Mr Jefferies is based in Opotiki.
In Parliament last week, Labour MP Clare Currran claimed that the chairwoman of the Maori Television Service, Georgina Te Heu Heu, intervened to have Mr Maxwell shortlisted for the job.
She had raised the issue with the Finance Minister, Bill English during Question Time.
Ms Curran also said Mr Maxwell's production company, Te Aratai Productions was in substantial debt to programme funder Te Mangai Paho.