TVNZ denies accusation Samoa news item staged

TVNZ could face a lawsuit from the Samoan government over a One News item titled Gangs and Drugs in Samoa.

The story, which showed young men with machetes, smoking cannabis and discussing the growing gun and drug trade, enraged the government and media, raising suggestions that some parts of the item were staged.

TVNZ has defended its Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver, and has released a signed affidavit from her stating it would be "completely unconscionable and unethical to stage manage material for a story, and I would never do such a thing", the Dominion Post reported.

The affidavit read: "I understand that Samoan police have alleged that some of the people who appeared in my story were `actors' who were asked by TVNZ to act like gangsters and drug dealers.

"It has also been alleged that TVNZ supplied alcohol to them, and asked them to smoke a cigarette on camera as if it was marijuana. I categorically deny these allegations."

The story screened in New Zealand on April 5, and also on Samoan television.

Through a statement released by Auckland law firm Chapman Tripp, the Samoan government said it was concerned by the "inaccurate report and seeming lack of professionalism".

Samoan Attorney-General, Ming Leung Wai, said a cabinet meeting was held yesterday to discuss legal options.

Individuals who appeared in the story had given statements to police saying they were not real gang members and had been asked by TVNZ to act as gangsters and drug dealers for a documentary, the government said.

The government complained that the item damaged Samoa's reputation as a safe place for tourists.

- NZPA