Q&As on MTS appointment of a Transitional CEO

Has Derek Fox resigned as a director of the Maori Television Service interim board? Yes, he tendered his resignation to the Minister of Maori Affairs on 10 February, 2003, effective 14 February 2003.

Q When does the Transitional CEO take up the position? A The board would like him to start Monday 17 February, 2003. But this is subject to due process being completed and the contract being signed-off by the CEO of TPK.

Q. What is the function of the Transitional CEO? A. To work with the MTS board to get the Maori Television channel on air and well established.

Q How long will Transitional CEO’s contract be for? A It is a two year contract with a performance review after one year. The overall position will then be reviewed.

Q What will the Transitional CEO’s salary be? A. It is still to be finalised. It will be based on market rates and take into account State Service Commission guidelines.

Q. What conditions of employment will be placed on the Transitional CEO to avoid perceived conflicts of interest? A. All MTS staff will be required to relinquish any other broadcasting positions they old. Mr Fox will resign the position he currently holds at TVNZ.

Q What was the appointment process for Transitional CEO? A When the board completed the recruitment process, its primary concern was to bring to air a diverse and high quality Maori television channel. Given the time frame now facing the board its considered view was that the best and safest option was to utilise the institutional knowledge and experience of Mr Fox.

Q. Was Derek Fox party to these decisions and discussions? A. No. The decision to approach to Mr Fox to consider the transitional CEO role was taken by the board with Mr Fox excluded from this process. Q. Where will the Transitional CEO’s position be based? A. Auckland. The CEO position is Auckland based.

Q When does the board hope to get the channel on air? A The board is working towards an on-air date in the last quarter of the year.

Q. What has happened to other MTS positions that have been advertised? A. With a transitional CEO being appointed. MTS can now move to finalise the appointment of a General Manager, Services and key programming appointments. What is going to happen to the two vacant Crown director positions.

A. That’s a matter for the Government to decide.

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