Former TVNZ Breakfast host Kamahl Santamaria. Photo / Supplied
By Charlotte Cook and Hamish Cardwell of RNZ
Leaked emails show TVNZ staff responding angrily to the broadcaster's handling of former Breakfast host Kamahl Santamaria.
Santamaria quit after a little over a month in the role following accusations of inappropriate behaviour at TVNZ and in his previous job at Al Jazeera.
This morning TVNZ news editor Sophie Baird emailed staff saying she shared their anger.
"I see you. I hear you. I know you're angry. I'm angry too. In fact I'm livid."
She said she could not be involved in the story for legal reasons but staff had her support.
Baird said she was not asking them to "shoosh", saying they should be speaking out.
She said to speak with her or their own manager.
"The most important thing for me is that our newsrooms are safe spaces ... it has to be a place where you are safe and supported."
Baird said staff were "family" and asked them to hang in there.
"From this can come greatness, from this we can come back stronger than ever."
An email to staff from TVNZ chief executive Simon Power was earlier leaked to media.
The Herald reports that in a subsequent email from TVNZ head of operations Andrew Fernie, he said he was "embarrassed" and "disgusted" that Power's email was leaked, and about staff releasing information to the media at time when they should be sticking together.
"Our reputation and our brand is being wilfully destroyed right now," Fernie said.
RNZ has seen responses to his email in which staff describe being embarrassed and furious at what they see as self protection, instead of reporting the truth.
They also criticised the broadcast for initially saying Santamaria left because of a family emergency.
Yesterday, TVNZ chief executive Simon Power ordered a review into whether the organisation's hiring process were correctly applied.
"We do not tolerate any form of harassment or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. We're committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive and respectful," the email said.
Senior employment lawyer Margaret Robins will do the review.
Meanwhile, international broadcaster Al Jazeera has called a meeting for staff in the wake of accusations about Santamaria.
In an email to staff at the Doha-based broadcaster, its managing director Giles Trendle has called a meeting for staff to talk about working in a safe environment.
He said there would be suggestions for any employees who may be feeling alone or unsure of where to turn.
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