TVNZ unit manager Shane Taurima has resigned from the state broadcaster after revelations he took part in a Labour Party hui and that TVNZ facilities were used to host Labour Party meetings.
3 News reported tonight that TVNZ offices were used to host a meeting of Labour's Tamaki Makaurau branch last year. TVNZ staff emails were also used to organise a subsequent hui in January this year which Labour leader David Cunliffe attended. Mr Taurima, the head of TVNZ's Maori and Pacific unit, had acted as a facilitator and spoken about the Maori vote at that January hui.
Mr Taurima stood for selection for the Labour Party in the Ikaroa-Rawhiti byelection last year but was beaten by Meka Whaitiri. Mr Taurima stood down from his TVNZ role during the selection, but was given the job back afterwards.
TVNZ is now investigating the involvement with Labour of three other staff in the Maori and Pacific unit who used TVNZ email for Labour business.
In comments provided to 3 News, TVNZ's head of news John Gillespie said he had not known about the meeting at TVNZ or Mr Taurima's role in the January hui. "I have stressed to Shane that his is a serious lapse of judgment. Our editorial independence is paramount at any time, election year or not. It is clear Shane can not continue in his role."
