Yes- and?

"A cost-cutting directive from the Government to Radio New Zealand (RNZ) has been taken by unions and opposition MPs as political interference and a blow to the public broadcaster's ability to maintain standards and independence..."

Of course it is political!

The government is doing what we hoped it would do (and not NEARLY enough)- trim expenditure- actually, slash bloody great chunks out of it is what is really wanted!

If you want late night classical music, buy some CD's or download them from ITunes- with your own frickin' money!

If you want to listen to a story, they are also available on line- Smashwords have a selection of audio books (that link will get you in the right direction, but feel free to buy the ebook it links to!)

They are certainly cheap enough!

UPDATE:
Visit facebooks 'Don't save Radio New Zealand' page here- and help slap down the compulsion brigade!