Maxwell era draws to a close for Maori TV
Four years ago, the chairman and board of Maori TV went to extraordinary lengths to hire Paora Maxwell as chief executive. Staff petitioned against his appointment and were ticked off by the board. The appointment process had to be delayed and started again. The broadcaster even lost a director — respected entrepreneur Ian Taylor — over the processes used. This week Maxwell resigned three years into a four-year contract, with no explanation beyond wanting to focus on his personal and business interests. Sources say he leaves amid concerns over the selection of an East Tamaki location as the broadcaster’s main headquarters, replacing its studios in Newmarket. The new facilities secured by Maxwell are leasehold, require a substantial fitout and do not include a production studio. The move is just the latest in Maxwell’s controversial era, which saw the departure of some high-profile senior staff, a reining in of the news operation and a row over the dumping of older female receptionists. Sources said Maxwell had championed moving Maori TV to Rotorua. During his selection process, Maxwell was strongly supported by chairwoman Georgina te Heuheu. The Government has extended the former National Cabinet Minister’s position for a second three-year term, which concludes in May 2018. Sources say differences of opinion between the board and the chief executive came to a head when the Maori electoral college appointed John Tamihere as a board member. Both men have a reputation for being strong willed. Tamihere was assigned the task of selecting a new headquarters, though it is not clear what role he had in selecting the East Tamaki premises. Approached for comment, Tamihere said he was constrained from speaking under a direction from the board. Maxwell leaves in August, about the time Maori TV will move into its new building. He will continue as a consultant until the end of the year. Maori TV said it would advertise locally and internationally for a replacement. The broadcaster rejected requests to speak to the chairman and to Maxwell.