Tony Veitch. Photo / Kenny Rodger
Three detectives from Auckland CIB have been assigned to investigate assault allegations against sports presenter Tony Veitch, but police are keeping quiet about their progress.
Spokesman Kev Loughlin said yesterday that, at this point, police were confident the three would be enough.
The investigation centres on allegations Veitch
assaulted his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell in 2006, leaving her temporarily confined to a wheelchair with a broken back. Veitch is alleged to have later paid her $170,000 to keep quiet.
Mr Loughlin refused to say if the officers had yet spoken to Veitch, Ms Dunne-Powell, TVNZ or the Radio Network.
Meanwhile, Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard says he has received more information, after being left frustrated at the lack of information from the state broadcaster.
"I have had a quick update in response to my questions and will get a full report after the employment process concludes," he said. "Until then no substantive comment will be made."
TVNZ has been under intense political pressure to answer questions about how it initially handled information after it said at the weekend four senior managers were told by Veitch of an "incident", but took no action.
Mr Mallard on Monday received a preliminary report from TVNZ chairman Sir John Anderson on "who knew what, and when and who did they tell", but said it was inadequate, - forcing him to request further information.
After that, Sir John told reporters an "agitated" Veitch had told managers only that there had been a "minor fracas" and from what he could tell there had been no mention of a physical assault.
He said he retained complete confidence in the four managers who decided the incident should remain private and chief executive Rick Ellis, who was never told of the meeting with Veitch. All acted with "total integrity".
Sir John revealed that after Veitch paid his former partner, he informed TVNZ's head of news and current affairs, Anthony Flannery, about the deal and the amount.
But he added: "The only matter we have to deal with now is the employment matter of Mr Veitch. We're working at all speed on this."
- ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY NZPA
