I have decided to resign forthwith from the Chair of TVNZ. It is earlier than my planned date of departure in March,
which was announced before Christmas.
I believe I, the Board, and our executives have acted in the best interests of TVNZ, which has been an outstanding
commercial broadcasting success, in line with its SOE mandate and its current SCI.
However, even as caretaker Chairman, I believe the situation has become untenable.
One cannot simply stand by and tolerate the attacks on the company.
The current media debate is neither productive nor conducive to the company’s wellbeing.
I stand by the statements issued last week in respect of the Hawkesby issue, and confirm again that the Board believes
that Rick Ellis, Shaun Brown and Paul Cutler were acting in the best interests of the company and have acted
professionally at all times.
I wish to make it quite clear that my decision today is in the hope that this action will allow this very fine company
to settle down and focus on the new directions which Government wishes to introduce.
Rosanne Meo