Labour slams Chorus appeal as a 'waste of time'

John Key and Amy Adams must tell New Zealanders whether they support Chorus’ appeal of the High Court’s ruling in favour of the Commerce Commission.

That's the damning verdict of Labour Leader David Cunliffe, who believes Chorus’ appeal is "a waste of time."

"The company is behind schedule already on the ultra-fast broadband roll-out," Cunliffe says. "It needs to get on with the job of connecting Kiwis to ultra-fast broadband."

In the eyes of Cunliffe, the High Court judgement was very strong, yet both Key and Adams have remained strangely silent since the ruling.

"They have backed Chorus and its shareholders from the beginning," Cunliffe adds. "They need to say whether they continue to do so.

“The Commerce Commission is in the right. It is the independent regulator and its position should be respected. Chorus needs to accept the ruling and get on with the job. The Government should tell it to do so."

Cunliffe believes National is divided on the reasons why the UFB roll-out has been such a debacle - Bill English thinks it was ‘a poor policy process’, while Steven Joyce backs it to the hilt.

“Kiwis want and need to get connected," Cunliffe adds. "Ultra-fast broadband is essential for the Economic Upgrade this country needs."