Just doing my job, says Forbes

Mihingarangi Forbes. Photo / Michael Craig

It's not about being a woman, says Mihingarangi Forbes. It's just about doing her job.

The TV3 reporter has been overwhelmed with messages of support after confronting Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Alasdair Thompson for saying women were less productive because of menstruation.

"I have three children, I have a period every month and I probably turn around more [stories] than any man in my work place," she told him.

Thompson told her she should, in that case, be the highest-paid person on Campbell Live before losing his temper and storming off.

Yesterday, Forbes said she was only doing her job.

"You would have done the same, any female reporter would have done the same - actually, any male reporter would have done the same."

As a mother of three children aged 9 months, 8 and 10, Forbes was offended by his comments.

"On a personal level I was offended because I work my butt off to make sure my work gets what is required from me," she said. "The whole period thing doesn't bother me because I just think that is ridiculous."

She had not had any criticism from male colleagues over her claim she produced more stories than they did. "It's true," she said.

John Campbell sent her a text message the next day saying she handled it with integrity and grace.