Horomia dodges Maori TV queries

Opposition MPs today tried and failed to extract information from the Government over the exact nature of sexual harassment allegations at the Maori Television Service (MTS).

MTS chairman Wayne Walden announced last week that chief executive Derek Fox had resigned part-way through an investigation "regarding a human resources issue between Mr Fox and the Maori Television Service".

The Herald subsequently reported on Wednesday that the complainant was former MTS board member and broadcaster Joanna Paul. She has been a consultant and independent producer. She also took board directorships with Maori funding agency Te Mangai Paho and MTS.

A question to Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia in Parliament yesterday over the allegations was deflected by the Speaker, Jonathan Hunt.

Act MP Deborah Coddington, who named Ms Paul for the first time in Parliament, said Mr Horomia knew exactly what had happened between the pair but was refusing to tell.

Mr Horomia said it was inappropriate: "Can I say that is a board matter?"

He said Ms Coddington had chosen to "dwell in the filthiness that is in some people's minds ... ".

Ms Coddington asked why the MTS board had not undertaken a full and complete investigation into the issue, but Mr Hunt ruled that the question was outside the scope of the original, which asked when the MTS would be on air.

Other opposition MPs questioned the ruling, claiming MTS was dysfunctional and that the sexual harassment allegations and Mr Fox's departure were at least part of the reason why it was not broadcasting.

Earlier, after questions from National MP Murray McCully, Mr Horomia failed to name an on-air date.

"The on-air date is still dependent on a number of operational activities. As identified in the MTS's statement of intent: 'good progress on these operational activities has been made'," he said.

The original timeline had changed because legislation was not passed until May.

However, he admitted that the appointment of Canadian John Davy and his subsequent conviction for fraud, and the resignation of Mr Fox had delayed transmission.

A spokeswoman at MTS said earlier that the woman at the centre of the complaint was entirely satisfied with the way the issue had been handled.

That included the decision of Mr Fox to resign.

Mr Fox said in his resignation letter that he was stepping aside for family and personal reasons.

- NZPA