What is going on at Maori Television?

Finance Minister Bill English and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples seem to have lost control of Maori Television with reports its board will go ahead with the controversial appointment of Paora Maxwell as chief executive, Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Kris Faafoi says.

“Maori Television restarted the appointment process after concerns about Mr Maxwell. Former National Party minister and Maori Television board chair Georgina te Heuheu will be thumbing her nose at the Government if he is now appointed.

“I have already spoken with senior staff members who are predicting a flood of resignations if Mr Maxwell becomes chief executive.

“They have concerns over Mr Maxwell’s suitability to lead Maori Television after he controversially left his former role at TVNZ.

“A petition signed by the majority of staff who rallied against his potential appointment last year shows just how damaging this could be to the daily operations of Maori Television.

“Just a fortnight ago, government sources were leaking other names for the role. But Mr Maxwell reportedly continues to be the first choice of his very close friend Georgina te Heuheu.

“Bill English needs to explain what the point of restarting the appointment process was if Mr Maxwell is appointed anyway. Pita Sharples needs to explain how this potentially damaging appointment will benefit Maori Television.

“If the Ministers can’t come up with good answers to these questions, then National has taken its eye off the ball at Maori Television,” Kris Faafoi says.

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