Balloon crash: TV reporter subject of complaint

Simon Bradwell. Photo / Supplied

TVNZ is standing by a reporter who was the subject of a police complaint for attempting to deceive relatives of Carterton balloon victims.

Simon Bradwell was reported to police by a relative in the aftermath of the disaster which claimed the lives of 11 people on January 7.

Details of the complaint have not been revealed, but Bradwell "vehemently" denies any wrongdoing.

The police complaint has been passed to the Ombudsman's Office, which overseas codes of conduct for public service organisations and will rule whether there was a breach.

TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the broadcaster was also investigating the accusation and that they took the complaint seriously.

She said: "The reporter vehemently denies any attempt at deception and at this stage it seems possible that there has been some kind of misunderstanding with the family concerned, at a time of great distress for everyone.

"We are very willing to talk directly with the family, if that's how they would like to handle it."

Deputy Ombudsman Leo Donnelly said that it was "not clearcut" what had occurred. "We have only just received the complaint and we need to speak to the complainant before determining whether the conduct was reasonable or not."

Bradwell, a Wellington-based reporter who specialises in covering crime, has been at TVNZ since 2005. When contacted, Bradwell referred questions to TVNZ.

- Staff reporter