Davy pleads guilty, wants to leave New Zealand

11.10am - by LOUISA CLEAVE

The sacked chief executive of the Maori Television Service, John Davy, has admitted forging his resume to get the job.

He pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court this morning to one charge of using a document, his CV, to obtain a benefit or privilege "namely a senior appointment with the Maori Television Service."

Judge Barry Morris remanded him on bail for sentence on May 29 - the day before Mr Davy's work permit allowing him to remain in the country will expire.

He was granted bail on condition he surrender his passport, does not apply for any travel documents and does not associate with anyone from the television service or recruitment agency Millennium People.

Through his lawyer, Kahu Barron Afeaki, Mr Davy declined the offer of undergoing a restorative justice programme in which he would be asked to undergo face-to-face interviews with MTS.

Mr Afeaki said: "Everyone wants him to leave. He wants to leave."

He also told the court Mr Davy only had enough money to survive for another couple of weeks.

It was revealed that, in addition to being paid $20,000 in salary, Mr Davy had received a $35,328 advance from the Maori Television Service to purchase a vehicle and set up a home. Arrangements for Mr Davy to repay the money are still being negotiated.

In a statement of facts read to the court, police said Mr Davy saw the job ad for Chief Financial Officer of Maori Television Service on the internet while living in the Philippines and emailed his CV to recruitment agency Millennium People.

He was flown by the Maori Television Service to New Zealand in February for an interview with a panel from MTS and Millennium People director Wayne Ball.

He was selected by the panel for the more senior position of Chief Executive Officer and Millennium People were asked to check his background.

Police said that when Millennium People asked for confirmation of his previous employment in Saudi Arabia, Davy forged a letter purporting to be from former bosses.

Full coverage: Maori TV