TVNZ hiring review process drags out
The investigation into TVNZ’s hiring processes will take weeks longer than expected – with the broadcaster saying the volume of material to be gone through is part of the reason why.
The probe of recruitment processes at the state-owned broadcaster was expected to be done within four weeks. It was triggered after Stuff revealed the resignation of ex-Breakfast host Kamahl Santamaria was tendered after at least one female in the TVNZ newsroom complained about inappropriate behaviour. But, the review isn’t ready – and probably won’t be for a few weeks.
When Stuff asked about the status of the review, TVNZ said it was ‘‘pleased’’ with progress, but ‘‘we would rather not rush it’’.
‘‘TVNZ is pleased with the progress being made on this independent review. It will take a few weeks longer than we originally envisioned, and we would rather not rush it.
‘‘We’ll be sharing the recommendations with TVNZers and the public when it’s complete,’’ a spokesperson said in a statement.
When asked for the reason why it was taking longer than expected, TVNZ said it was due to the availability of people involved and ‘‘the volume of documentation to be reviewed’’. ‘‘The independent reviewer employment lawyer Margaret Robins has had to accommodate the availability of interviewees throughout this process,’’ a spokesperson said.
It was announced by TVNZ’s chief executive Simon Power on May 31, who admitted there had been ‘‘many lessons learned’’ since the Santamaria story broke – with TVNZ originally telling the public his exit, after just 32 days on air, was down to a ‘‘family emergency’’.
Just over a week after Power’s announcement, the terms of reference ‘‘for an independent review into recruitment policies, procedures, practices and processes’’ was finalised, with TVNZ saying at the time it had ‘‘requested that the review is completed within four weeks’’.
However, four weeks later, TVNZ has now said those terms of reference anticipated it would take ‘‘at least four weeks’’ or as soon as practical after.
The spokesperson said when Robins’ review is finished, it will be put before TVNZ’s acting general counsel, in-house lawyer Claire Addis. Addis will provide the findings to TVNZ’s ‘‘management and the board under legal privilege’’ – meaning those communications will be confidential.