Breakfast presenter Paul Henry has got off scot-free for his hairy on-air comments about a female guest's moustache - and the outspoken host has "no regrets".
The Herald on Sunday has learned the Broadcasting Standards Authority has not upheld a complaint - finding that TVNZ had already taken sufficient action.
In March, Henry mocked Greenpeace spokeswoman Stephanie Mills' appearance after an interview, saying "that is a moustache on a lady".
The BSA's refusal to condemn Henry has angered Greenpeace, which may now boycott the top-rating morning television show.
Henry's comments prompted more than 30 complaints to TVNZ. Anyone not satisfied with the way the broadcaster dealt with complaints could then go to the BSA. Only one complainant did.
The full BSA findings are being released later this week.
When approached about the decision yesterday, Henry said he had moved on. "As I understand, they've said there is no further action to be taken. Technically, I suppose, that is a finding in our favour," he said.
"I feel no relief - I've moved on from it. I don't know if it would have made a difference to me either way.
"I don't regret the comments. If the comments caused offence to Stephanie Mills, I'm sorry for that much."
During the show, co-host Alison Mau pleaded with Henry to refrain from reading out two derogatory emails from viewers about Mills, and giving his own thoughts on her appearance.
He later said anyone offended by his comments could "start a group" and asked: "How hard can it be to wax?"
Henry told the Herald on Sunday in July he had phoned Mills to apologise but declined to elaborate. He said he had "absolutely not" changed his on-air behaviour as a result.
Mills yesterday declined to comment, but Greenpeace NZ's executive director Bunny McDiarmid said the result was disappointing.
She said Greenpeace would "carefully" think about whether it would put forward another spokesperson for the show.
"It wouldn't put us off putting someone else forward but we would carefully think about it. If he's not interested in the story, and can't see the story for what it is, it makes you wonder whether having a serious conversation with Paul Henry is worth it."
