MTS news release: Board dismisses CEO John Davy

The following is the exact text of a news release from the Maori Television Service.

Maori TV Service board dismisses CEO

The Maori Television Service Board today dismissed Chief Executive, Mr John Davy for serious misconduct.

Chairman Derek Fox said that over the weekend the Board had received information indicating that Mr Davy had provided false information about his background. The Board moved immediately on Saturday to suspend Mr Davy pending further investigations.

Mr Fox said that consistent with the provisions of being a good employer, Mr Davy was given until 5.00pm today to respond to questions put to him by the Board. No satisfactory response was received and his contract was formally terminated at this time.

The Board is currently carrying out an independent audit of business transacted by Mr Davy on behalf of the Service to ensure the services business affairs are in order.

In the meantime the Board is confident that the current management systems in place are sufficient to ensure the Service can continue and operate business as usual. A report on this will be provided as soon as possible for the Maori Electoral College and Government Ministers.

Mr Fox said the difficulties concerning Mr Davy's appointment were disappointing and regrettable, however the Board remained totally committed to ensuring the Maori TV Service continued without further interruption and was on air before the end of the year, as planned.

Mr Fox said he had briefed the responsible Ministers and the Chair of the Maori Electoral College.