Maori TV will be expected to show Rugby World Cup matches to all NZ if it wins coverage rights, the Maori Affairs Minister says.

Maori TV's Rugby World Cup commentary would mainly be in English but 5 to 10 per cent will be peppered with Maori phrases.

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

Bar owners are trying novel ways to get punters in to watch tonight's Fight of the Century between David Tua and Shane Cameron.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has given his blessing for taxpayer funds to support Maori TV's World Cup bid.

TVNZ reveal an after-tax profit nearly 90 per cent down on the previous year.

Win or lose against Shane Cameron, David Tua probably won't be fighting again in New Zealand any time soon.

TVNZ is fuming over reports questioning some of its executives' roles in the Tony Veitch saga and has reiterated its full confidence in them.

Customers will need a Telecom broadband account to get the full package.

Fully-functioning TiVo will only be available to Telecom broadband users when it launches here in November.

Television New Zealand opted out of the Qantas Film and Television Awards because of the economy and because coverage of the event did not rate well last year.