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The Maori Party is defending Maori Television's bid for Rugby World Cup broadcast rights.
There has been criticism the tax-payer subsidised $3 million bid is wasteful.
But Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says it's a wise investment in Maori business and culture.
"Only New Zealand has the Maori thing and we should take that opportunity because it can really be showcased and expanded through Maori Television," he says.
He says his role is to create opportunity for Maori, and that this is a "perfect opportunity."
"It's a win-win situation," he says.
Only 90% of New Zealand can access Maori Television and isolated areas like the Bay of Islands and Coromandel could miss out on getting free to air coverage.
The Ministry of Maori Affairs has forked out $3million in taxpayer's money to boost the Maori TV bid.
