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Morning Report radio host Sean Plunket says he's leaving Radio New Zealand because of a "difference of interpretation" over his wishes to appear on other media shows.
Frosty relations between Plunket, 44, and his Radio New Zealand bosses came to a head when they refused to allow the broadcaster to host an election debate on TVNZ7.
"We had a difference of interpretation as to the level of reasonable control that Radio New Zealand should have over my activities," Plunket told the Herald on Sunday.
"They have one quite distinct view and I had one view that could have been accommodated in their distinct view, but they didn't want to know."
He believed appearing on the TVNZ show as a public broadcaster would only enhance the brand of Morning Report and Radio New Zealand.
"I can't speculate on Radio New Zealand's reasons for thinking otherwise, except they were prepared to go to quite extreme means to ensure that I didn't in particular appear on TVNZ7. I still can't understand why. I was on Sky TV with Bill Ralston the other night.
"I must say, I have asked for a reasonable explanation but none has been forthcoming."
It has been reported that Radio New Zealand chief executive Peter Cavanagh fears the TVNZ Freeview channel could undermine RNZ's reputation as a centre for public-broadcasting debate.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Herald on Sunday today, Plunket speaks about his future plans - he is keen to stay in broadcasting; his 11 years on Morning Report, alongside Geoff Robinson; his drink-driving charge; and his own reputation as a broadcaster.
"I made a gross error of judgment," he said of his drink-driving.
"I took the attitude I was a plonker and I drank way too many martinis - the most expensive martinis I have ever had," he said.
"I was completely up front about it with my bosses before the media got wind of it. I kept them up to speed."
