Boycott of TV boss' wine urged over 3D row

An email was sent to Mediaworks and TVNZ staff with a picture of Mark Weldon and his wine. Photo / Supplied

MediaWorks staff are being urged to boycott their chief executive's wine business after TV3's decision to axe another current affairs programme, a leaked email stated.

MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon owns Terra Sancta Wines, an award-winning wine business located in South Island's Cromwell.

Numerous staff at Mediaworks and TVNZ received the now leaked email, which stated, "Say NO to Terra Sancta Wines. Do not support Mark Weldon because he doesn't support journalism."

This came after TV3 announced on November 4 their current affairs programme 3D would considered for closure.

The leaked email also revealed numerous email addresses from MediaWorks, Radio New Zealand and TVNZ.

A photograph of Mr Weldon holding a bottle of his wine outside his Central Otago vineyard was also included.

His details including his full name and his cellphone number was also disclosed in the email.

It has been a tough year for MediaWorks after suffering heavy public backlash for axing Campbell Live earlier this year and now planned to cancel investigative programme 3D, hosted by Samantha Hayes.

The Herald also reported last month, MediaWorks had bought multiple cases of wine from Terra Sancta winery.

A spokeswoman for the broadcaster confirmed wine had been bought from Mr Weldon's winery.

It was reported the wine usually sold for upwards of $25 a bottle, largely riesling, pinot gris and pinot noir.

However MediaWorks paid about $20 each for hundreds of bottles.

A spokeswoman for the company described Media-Works as buying the wine at "cost".

In a statement, she said: "All board members are aware MediaWorks has accessed Terra Sancta wines [at better-than- commercial terms] for hospitality and marketing purposes. It has been disclosed appropriately and there is no issue."

She said "there could have been an appearance of conflict" and "this was disclosed and dealt with appropriately".