Opening RWC match to screen on TVNZ, MTV

Following weeks of negotiation and speculation, the Government has put its support behind a joint bid from Maori Television (MTS), TVNZ and TV3 for free-to-air broadcasting rights of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The announcement comes after two state broadcasters began bidding against each other to show the 16 live and 32 delayed matches.

Sky TV had the broadcasting rights for the remaining live games.

Prime Minister John Key said the joint bid would receive a "level of public funding" - the exact amount of which will depend on commercial negotiations.

Cabinet had considered what level of public money it was prepared to spend on the bid, Mr Key said.

But, because the bid was now before the International Rugby Board (IRB) for consideration, he would not say how much the Government would spend.

Earlier, Mr Key said the joint bid would not be more than previous individual bids.

MTS will receive extra funding from Te Puni Kokiri (the Ministry for Maori Development) to purchase "related services" if the bid is successful, Mr Key said.

Debate over the broadcasting rights erupted when it was revealed Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples had authorised $3 million from Te Puni Kokiri to be used to fund a stand-alone MTS bid.

TVNZ then submitted a Government-backed bid for a higher amount.

Under the new, Cabinet-approved, bid MTS would broadcast all 48 World Cup games - 16 live and 32 delayed.

The final, semifinals, bronze medal game and the quarterfinals will be played live on all three channels.

TVNZ and MTS will screen live the opening ceremony and opening game between Tonga and the All Blacks.

The All Blacks' pool game against France will screen live on TV3 and MTS.

The remaining six live games will air only on MTS.

Mr Key said he was pleased all three broadcasters had worked "so collaboratively" to finalise the bid and they were all happy with the agreement.

The joint-bid, which still has to be accepted by the IRB, will mean all New Zealanders will get to see the games, he said.

The IRB will also consider new media and other issues apart from the free-to-air rights.

Dr Sharples said he was "delighted" MTS would be leading the joint-bid and the three broadcasters will work together for the first time for "the benefit of the whole country".

A governance group would be established to oversee the project.

MTS board member Wayne Walden will chair the group. Members from each of the broadcasting companies and two ministerial appointments will form the remainder.

Television Broadcasters' Council executive director Rick Friesen will be the lead manager for the project.

The Labour Party and others criticised the Government's handling of the bids as shambolic and Mr Key has admitted it was not handled well.

- NZPA