Statement from RNZ Chair Richard Griffin & CE Paul Thompson

Tuesday, 27 March 2018, 10:28 am
Press Release: Radio New Zealand

Statement from RNZ Chair Richard Griffin & Chief Executive Paul Thompson

Today RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson accepted Carol Hirschfeld’s resignation from RNZ, effective immediately.

This follows Ms Hirschfeld informing Mr Thompson on Sunday, March 25, that a meeting she had with Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran on December 5 last year was a pre-arranged meeting.

Ms Hirschfeld had earlier repeatedly assured Mr Thompson that the meeting was coincidental and that she and the Minister had talked after bumping into each other in a Wellington cafe.

Mr Thompson said: “I am very disappointed about what happened and it is important that I put the record straight about the circumstances of the meeting.”

“I am now assessing options for filling the role left vacant by Carol’s resignation.”

“In the meantime, Glen Scanlon as RNZ head of news and digital will take over Carol’s direct reports, effective immediately.”

ENDS

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