Statement By Paul Henry
October 10, 2010
I have resigned from TVNZ, effective immediately.
It is no longer practical in the current environment for me to do the job I was employed to do, and have so enjoyed
doing. It is also difficult for TVNZ to get on with the business of being a first class broadcaster as long as I remain.
I have apologised twice, and have meant every word. I again apologise to all those who were genuinely hurt by what I
said.
However, it is clear that things have now reached a point where my actions will have to speak louder than my words.
I am astonished and dismayed that my comments have created a diplomatic incident. My style is conversational and of
course unscripted. I walk the finest of lines and accept that I have inadvertently crossed it from time to time.
But I recognise the realities of the situation.
I do not want to continue to be used as a lightning rod for racial disharmony in this country. Likewise, I certainly do
not want to have my elderly mother staked out at her nursing home by tabloid media, as has happened this weekend.
I will miss the professionalism and friendship of the brilliant production team I have worked with, and I will miss the
fun and satisfaction of having doubled the audience for Breakfast in the last few years. The programme is great – and
I’m sure its success will continue.
To be honest, most of all I’ll miss Pippa.
I am grateful to the many thousands of people who have offered their support to me. I hope they will understand and
accept that an extraordinary convergence of circumstances has made this action necessary
I am saddened by this whole episode – sad that I crossed the line in the first place, and sad that an employer I have
always served with pride has had to suffer slings and arrows.
To all those who have enjoyed Breakfast – thank you. It has been a privilege to have been part of your mornings for the
last seven years.
ENDS