Political Editor Quits TVNZ After Homophobic Slur Controversy

TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman has resigned after what she described as unprecedented scrutiny that made her position "untenable".

Sherman announced her departure on social media Friday, citing enormous pressure following recent controversies.

"The level of scrutiny on me this past week has been unprecedented, and this has placed enormous pressure on me. My role has become untenable and so I am finishing up with TVNZ today. I wish the team well," she said.

The resignation follows revelations that Sherman used a homophobic slur against Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr during pre-Budget drinks in Finance Minister Nicola Willis' office last May.

In her social media post, Sherman acknowledged the offensive comment and said there was "no excuse for the language I used," but explained she had apologised to both Burr and Willis the next morning and informed her manager.

"From my own perspective and for context, my comment was made in response to deeply personal and inappropriate remarks made to me that evening. This does not excuse my actions, I took responsibility for that a year ago, it is merely to help others understand why I reacted in the way that I did."

Sherman was also suspended from Parliament last week for five days for breaching parliamentary rules while pursuing an interview with National's chief whip Stuart Smith.

National's campaign chair Simeon Brown complained that TVNZ's team had followed Smith into his corridor, "aggressively" banged on his door for several minutes, refused to accept Smith's decline to comment, and pressured him about how his refusal would be portrayed.

TVNZ disputed Brown's account and said complaints should go through Parliament's Speaker, but Speaker Gerry Brownlee ultimately imposed the suspension.

TVNZ confirmed Sherman's resignation in a statement, acknowledging her historic role as the first Maori woman to lead 1News' political team.

"As the first Maori woman to lead 1News' political team, Maiki has made a significant contribution to our journalism," TVNZ said.

"Her reporting - from presenting our polls, to covering general elections and bringing breaking news out of the Beehive - has helped keep audiences across New Zealand informed and engaged with the decisions being made on their behalf."

Sherman was nominated for Political Journalist of the Year at this year's media awards.

TVNZ's chief news and content officer Nadia Tolich told staff the past few weeks had been challenging for Sherman and she respected the decision to resign.

Sherman was appointed political editor in March 2024, replacing Jessica Mutch-McKay. She began her broadcasting career 18 years ago and joined the press gallery in 2012.