Maori TV in hair straightening row

Curly-haired Ngarimu Daniels claims her Maori TV bosses told her to straighten her hair. Picture / Bradley Ambrose

Maori Television is facing legal action from a presenter who claims she was told to straighten the kinks in her hair - and not wear clothing the same colours as the Maori Party logo.

The complaint is included in a personal grievance against the broadcaster by Ngarimu Daniels, who presents Maori Television's flagship news show Te Kaea.

It has led to Ms Daniels' partner Leonie Pihama resigning from the governing board of Maori Television, and sparked division between staff and management.

Ms Daniels took the case, due to be heard by the Employment Relations Authority on Thursday and Friday this week, after clashing with Tawini Rangihau, the general manager of programming and language.

Included in the case are claims by Ms Daniels that she was told to straighten her hair, which is naturally curly, before she went on air. It is understood Ms Daniels has also claimed managers told staff to stop wearing black, red and white together because of its similarity to Maori Party colours. The colours are also those of the tino rangatiratanga flag.

A counterclaim from Maori Television has cited Ms Daniels for failing to take instruction from senior staff, believed to be Ms Rangihau.

The Herald on Sunday contacted Maori Television for comment, but spokeswoman Sonya Haggie said the broadcaster was unable to respond without compromising the case or an employee's privacy. "Media should also note a number of false allegations are being made concerning this matter," Ms Haggie said.

The loss of Dr Pihama from the board last week was met with sorrow in the Maori broadcasting community, where she is seen as a strong advocate for te reo. Dr Pihama was appointed to the board by Te Putahi Paoho, the "electoral college" which acts as the Maori voice in MTS.

Dr Pihama announced her resignation last week, saying her position on the board might be misconstrued as a conflict of interest. "It has been a long road to getting where we are today and people have put themselves on the line for the sake of seeing a station like this go to air, and we need to be vigilant in securing its future."

Hone Harawira, chairman of Te Putahi Paoho, would not be drawn into the grievance. However, he said Dr Pihama's resignation was a blow. "Leonie's skill and commitment will be sorely missed."

Ms Rangihau was a key figure in Maori Television's ill-fated predecessor, Aotearoa Television Network, which fell apart after revelations of directors' uncontrolled spending.

Ms Rangihau stepped down from the board of MTS to take over as head of programming after former newsreader Joanna Paul resigned after four months on paid sick leave.

Ms Paul's departure followed that of language boss Joe Te Rito, who received a cash payout after complaining of harassment by Ms Paul. Chief executive Derek Fox quit after a complaint of harassment against him by Ms Paul.

His departure followed the firing of the first chief executive, John Davies, who got the job with a fake CV.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY