Shane Taurima One of the country's most highly-placed openly gay journalists has resigned under a cloud from his role as TVNZ's head of Maori and Pacific Television. Shane Taurima, who has had high-profile roles in political current affairs and news coverage for TVNZ and for Maori TV, has resigned because of his continuing active connection to the Labour party. Taurima resigned from broadcasting to unsuccessfully stand for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti seat by-election last year. He then rejoined TVNZ, reportedly on the understanding that he suspend involvement with the party. However, he was recently involved in Labour party meetings discussing how to win the Maori vote. This was seen as a conflict of interest given his role with TVNZ News and Current Affairs. "Shane understands that he can't help to lead our teams given his participation in a Labour-focused event last month and I've accepted his resignation," says TVNZ's Head of News and Current Affairs, John Gillespie.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 17th February 2014 - 10:36pm