Radio announcer in hot water over comments

A radio announcer who denounced a mother when she complained about a Wanaka school's 'white supremacy'-themed after-ball party is to be reported to the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA).

Wayne Johnson on his Radio Wanaka Breakfast yesterday urged listeners to run a mother who complained about the party name out of town, the Otago Daily Times reported.

Shelley Mitchell had contacted media and the principal of Mount Aspiring College with concerns over the "White Supreemacy" name given to the party to which guests were asked to wear white clothing. She asked not to be identified

Tickets were later reprinted and the name changed to 'White Out'.

Ms Mitchell said she would now lodge a complaint with the BSA over Johnson's comments and said her 17-year-old daughter had been verbally abused by pupils after she was identified.

Radio Wanaka co-owner Ed Taylor said Johnson would apologise on air on Monday morning.

"Wayne got caught up in the heat of the moment. He was upset the story had gone out globally to the media, not because Shelley had made a complaint."

School principal Wayne Bosley said yesterday the party theme was an innocent mistake and not meant to cause offence.

- NZPA