Maiki Sherman Resigns as TVNZ Political Editor Amid Scrutiny

Key facts

• Maiki Sherman confirmed her departure from TVNZ on Friday.
• Sherman cited "untenable" pressure from unprecedented scrutiny as the reason for her resignation.
• She was suspended from Parliament for five days for breaching press gallery rules.
• An alleged homophobic slur was directed at Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr in May last year.
• The alleged slur occurred at a function in Finance Minister Nicola Willis' office.
• Sherman acknowledged the offensive comment, stating "no excuse for the language I used."
• She claimed the comment was a response to "deeply personal and inappropriate remarks."
• Sherman was the first wahine Māori to lead TVNZ's political team.

Broadcaster Departs Amid Intense Pressure

Maiki Sherman, TVNZ's political editor, has announced her resignation, marking the end of her tenure with the broadcaster on Friday. Her departure follows a period of intense scrutiny and pressure, which she stated had rendered her position "untenable." The announcement came via social media, where Sherman detailed the unprecedented level of attention she had faced in the preceding weeks. Sherman's exit follows a series of challenging events, including a five-day suspension from Parliament and public controversy surrounding an alleged slur. These incidents culminated in a situation where continuing in her role became impossible, prompting her decision to step down. TVNZ confirmed Sherman's resignation, acknowledging her significant contributions as the first wahine Māori to lead the 1News political team. The broadcaster highlighted her role in informing the public through reporting on polls, general elections, and breaking news from the Beehive.

Parliamentary Suspension and Alleged Slur

The immediate catalyst for the heightened scrutiny appears to be a combination of a recent parliamentary suspension and allegations of offensive language. Sherman was withdrawn at the last minute from the Prime Minister’s trip to Singapore, signalling the gravity of the situation. Last week, she received a five-day suspension from Parliament. This action, taken by Speaker Gerry Brownlee, followed allegations that TVNZ reporters, including Sherman, had "aggressively" pursued an interview with National's chief whip Stuart Smith. Brownlee stated that the suspension was the "most appropriate course of action" after TVNZ indicated such matters were for the Speaker to handle. Sherman had allegedly directed a homophobic slur at Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr. This incident reportedly occurred during a pre-Budget event in May of last year, held at the office of Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Willis confirmed hearing "offensive language" and subsequently shutting down the event.

Sherman Addresses Language and Context

In her social media post, Sherman acknowledged the offensive comment, stating unequivocally, "there was no excuse for the language I used." She confirmed that she had apologised to both Lloyd Burr and Nicola Willis the following morning, and that these apologies were accepted. Her manager was also informed at the time. However, Sherman also provided context for her reaction, explaining that the comment was made in response to "deeply personal and inappropriate remarks" directed at her that same evening. She stressed that while this did not excuse her actions, it was offered to help others understand her reaction. This explanation was reiterated in her public statement, where she noted, "I took responsibility for that a year ago, it is merely to help others understand why I reacted in the way that I did." The allegations of the slur were first published on a blog by political blogger Ani O’Brien.

A Career Marked by Significant Journalism

Despite the circumstances of her departure, TVNZ lauded Sherman's journalistic achievements. Her nomination for Political Journalist of the Year in the recent media awards was cited as a testament to her work's quality. The broadcaster emphasized her role in keeping audiences informed about critical government decisions. Her reporting spanned a wide range of significant political events, from presenting national polls to covering general elections and delivering breaking news from the heart of government. As the first wahine Māori to hold the position of political editor at 1News, her tenure was historically significant. Behind the scenes, reports indicated that TVNZ and Sherman had been engaged in mediation since Monday, with Sherman reportedly represented by prominent lawyer Linda Clark. TVNZ, however, maintained a policy of not commenting on employment matters.

The Fallout and Untenable Position

The cumulative effect of the parliamentary suspension and the allegations surrounding the alleged slur created an environment of "unprecedented" scrutiny. This intense pressure, Sherman stated, made her role "untenable." The public nature of the controversies, amplified by social media and political commentary, placed immense strain on her position. Her decision to resign underscores the challenging dynamics faced by journalists operating in the political sphere, where public perception and adherence to parliamentary and professional conduct rules are paramount. The events highlight the swiftness with which scrutiny can escalate and impact careers. While Sherman has departed, the broader implications of the incidents, particularly concerning interactions at ministerial functions and parliamentary press gallery conduct, may continue to be discussed within media and political circles.

The bottom line

• Maiki Sherman has resigned as TVNZ's political editor, stating her position became "untenable" due to intense scrutiny.
• Her resignation follows a five-day suspension from Parliament for breaching press gallery rules.
• Allegations of a homophobic slur directed at a journalist in May last year at a ministerial event also contributed to the pressure.
• Sherman acknowledged the offensive language but stated it was in response to personal remarks made to her.
• TVNZ recognized Sherman's significant contributions as the first wahine Māori to lead its political team.