TV bosses' lips sealed over rough night out in capital

A brawl involving a group of television journalists has not drawn any disciplinary action from either of their employers.

While TV3 political editor Stephen Parker, understood to have been one of the main protagonists, is off-air this week, TV3 spokesman Roger Beaumont said that was because he was on a school camp with one of his children.

The fracas happened last Friday night at Wellington's Dixon St Quarter Bar and Restaurant and is believed to have been sparked by an altercation between Parker and Wellington-based TVNZ journalist Mark Torley.

At one point a number of journalists, including those in senior positions in the parliamentary press gallery, were involved in the drunken melee which spilled on to the footpath.

The event was a farewell to TVNZ reporter Kris Faafoi, who has left to live in London. Two police cars attended the scene but it is understood no charges were laid.

TVNZ confirmed no disciplinary action had been taken against any staff member.

"We are not commenting at all on what did or did not happen," said spokeswoman Zara Potts. Mr Beaumont said TV3 would not comment on "idle speculation and gossip".