Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says the media has a responsibility to report accurately. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says it seems there was intent behind when the story broke of Maiki Sherman using a homophobic slur.
The former TVNZ political editor parted ways with the broadcaster after a turbulent 11 days, during which she was issued a five-day suspension from Parliamentand made headlines for allegedly directing a homophobic slur at journalist Lloyd Burr.
Speaking on Ryan Bridge TODAY, Waititi said the timing of when the story broke – by political commentator Ani O’Brien, almost a year after the alleged incident – seemed intentional.
“Why, after so many months, has this now been brought to the attention and now has meant that Maiki has lost her job?
“I don’t know what the reason for that is, when it had been dealt with between those two people is beyond me. And so it just seems like there was an intent to bring this story up, and for Maiki now to have lost her job.”
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Newstalk ZB producer Sam Carran was working on a story about the incident in the latter half of last year.
TVNZ sent the radio station a threatening legal letter and the story ultimately did not get across the line. It is understood other media were also looking at the story.
Waititi said the situation should have been left where it was after Sherman apologised to Burr and he accepted.
Former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman announced her departure from the broadcaster last week. Photo / Supplied
The co-leader also confirmed Oriini Kaipara was staying with Te Pāti Māori, after a report from Stuff yesterday that she was considering leaving the party.
A new communications staffer for Kaipara incorrectly said she was “still considering options” and had since retracted the comment, Waititi said.
“I think the reality is that Oriini has taken responsibility for that and has corrected that statement, which I commend her for.
“It can put the rest of the country at ease is that Oriini Kaipara is staying with Te Pāti Māori and will work hard to ensure that our unapologetic voice continues and remains in Parliament and will continue to do the work out there heading into November 7.”
