Taurima to face TVNZ bosses on future role

Shane Taurima. Photo / Paul Estcourt

TVNZ broadcaster Shane Taurima will talk to his bosses this week about what role he will have after unsuccessfully contesting Labour's Ikaroa-Rawhiti candidacy.

The former editor of Te Karere, who is the current general manager of Maori and Pacific Programmes, lost to Ngati Kahungunu chief executive Meka Whaitiri at the weekend.

Of all the candidates Mr Taurima, one of Maoridom's best journalists, had the most to lose from the race. Standing for a political party while working at TVNZ means there would be huge perception problems around impartiality to do with newsroom roles - for example, hosting political programme Q&A again.

Yesterday, from Napier he told the Herald he never felt any fear around his decision.

"Obviously, there's no more in front of the camera for me, that's what I've loved to do for the past few years. That's one of the risks you have to take. When you believe so passionately about something you have to give it 110 per cent, and that's exactly what I did. I was certainly aware of the risk."

Mr Taurima said he hadn't thought "at all" about whether he'd like to be on Labour's list. He wouldn't be drawn on whether the party had offered a high placing at the next election.

The weekend's result should have made one thing clear, Mr Taurima said. "All the claims that I'd been shoulder tapped and all the rest of it - it goes to show it was a thorough and robust process. It's just a shame some of my former colleagues thought that is something I would have even thought about."

Mr Taurima said he was likely to speak with his bosses about his job within the next week although he is on leave for two weeks.

TVNZ spokeswoman Georgie Hills said Mr Taurima was someone the broadcaster still wanted to employ.

Asked if Mr Taurima could continue in his role as a general manager, or if his role may change given his political leanings she said: "It's appropriate to say in this instance that when he's back in the office in coming days we'll speak to him about issues that have arisen from his candidate bid before we talk to the media about them. TVNZ is acutely aware of the issues.

"Our staff have a right to hold their own views but we expect them to check them at the door when they carry out their editorial duties."