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TVNZ'S much-trumpeted investigative unit is to be ditched in an effort to cut millions off the news and current affairs budget.
Among those whose jobs are on the line is Phil Kitchin, the reporter who broke the story of the historic allegations of police rape and first disclosed irregularities in the use of funds allocated to former Act MP Donna Awatere Huata's Pipi reading foundation.
The unit has been criticised by commentators for the limited number of stories it produced.
However, one source said the planned move to shut it down signalled the broadcaster was becoming more interested in cutting costs and covering spot news than breaking major stories.
Kitchin, a reporter with more than 20 years' experience, was considered a "high cost" individual.
He would not comment to the Herald.
But TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the proposed restructure, which will eventually reduce the 300-strong news and current affairs team by about 50 people, was about positions, not individuals.
"Phil is sort of the last man standing for the investigative unit," said Ms Richards. "Because of that it is proposed that his position is disestablished."
Ms Richards said the proposal - which includes several other measures - was open for feedback for a fortnight.
If it went ahead, Kitchin could get redundancy and/or apply for other jobs.
The company-wide redesign is being rolled out in stages and is due to be completed by June.
It is understood TVNZ wants to cut $30 million as it increases its new media presence and prepares to launch two new digital TV channels, including a 24-hour news offering.
About $10 million of savings are tipped to come from reducing the $50 million news and current affairs budget.
Chief executive Rick Ellis this week told staff between 140 and 160 positions were expected to be made redundant, with a third from the news and current affairs team.
More savings could come from cutting the number of local stories in current affairs shows, such as 20/20 and Sunday, or axing one of the programmes altogether.
Mr Ellis yesterday unveiled proposed measures relating to the positions reporting to the news and current affairs head, a job vacant since the resignation of Bill Ralston in January.
TV3 director of news and current affairs Mark Jennings said it was unusual to restructure the team before a news boss was appointed.
"I think it's strange," he said. "On the surface, it looks like they are creating another layer of management and, if anything, I think this is symptomatic of it being a government department."
Ms Richards said the plan restructured the roles of deputy head of news and daily programme editor and put more emphasis on the One News 6pm bulletin.
"The only positions that are being looked at here are the existing deputy head of news and the daily programmes editor."
