Fraser 'to be paid another $300,000'

Departing TVNZ boss Ian Fraser will stay on the state broadcaster's payroll for another six months, netting him an extra $300,000, it has been reported.

It is understood Mr Fraser's resignation, accepted by the board, includes a provision to continue claiming his salary of at least $600,000 for another half a year, The Dominion Post reported today.

Sources at the network are also questioning whether the deal means Mr Fraser will become eligible for a payout under the company's superannuation scheme, the newspaper said.

Employees can contribute 5 per cent of their salary.

After four years -- which Mr Fraser would reach with the extra six months on salary -- the company matches the contribution.

The six-month deal would mean Mr Fraser, after four years, could have contributed $120,000, with TVNZ obliged to match the sum.

The six-month deal has been struck despite TVNZ chairman Craig Boyce saying yesterday the board would quickly move to fill Mr Fraser's job.

He expected a temporary replacement to be found this week.


Prime Minister Helen Clark today said she did not have any information on Mr Fraser's exit deal with TVNZ.


She said she retained confidence in the state broadcaster's board and an inquiry called for by National was unnecessary.


Mr Fraser's resignation is understood to have been sparked by a row over salaries for highly paid presenters.

Mr Fraser is believed to have walked after the board suggested he take over pay negotiations with high-earning staff, including that of Close Up presenter Susan Wood.

Mr Boyce said yesterday that as part of its terms of reference the board had to approve all salary deals worth more than $300,000.

Mr Fraser is understood to have opposed getting involved in the negotiations, which he believed would have curtailed the authority of the network's head of news Bill Ralston.

- NZPA