(Scoop) - Nathan Guy is continuing the Government’s drunken spending on the flawed Primary Growth Partnership by announcing funding for low-calorie wines that are already being sold in the supermarket, Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor says.

“The Primary Growth Partnership is a lolly scramble for National’s rural friends. The low-calorie wine research announced today shows how far behind the eight ball the Government is. New Zealand companies have already brought low alcohol products to market.

“Nathan Guy can continue to tell himself that the Primary Growth Partnership is delivering value for money to taxpayers and cutting edge developments. However, I suspect the Auditor-General in her investigation of the programme will tell the Minister a very different story.

“The Government’s spin that the programme will have a wider societal impact on New Zealand's drinking problem is an extremely long bow. New Zealanders will see this for the cynical ploy it is and a sad indictment of the lack of leadership on alcohol reform.

“I'm calling on the Government to cease new funding of Primary Growth Partnership programmes until transparent and public auditing processes are in place and the outcome of the Auditor-General’s investigation into the Programme is complete."