28 May 2003 MEDIA STATEMENT

Te Mängai Päho Board Releases Review Report

Te Mängai Päho (TMP) Board today released the report reviewing the way the organisation dealt with the employment of former radio manager Tame Te Rangi, who resigned earlier this year.

TMP Chief Executive Trevor Moeke said that the review found the expenditure control systems and processes used by Te Mängai Päho at the time of Mr Te Rangi’s appointment were sound and that neither the Board nor the Chief Executive was aware of Mr Te Rangi’s former convictions. Further, the review found no systemic failure within TMP.

“The overall findings were good, however the report does indicate a few areas where improvements need to be made and we have begun addressing these matters.

“In hindsight disciplinary action should have been implemented earlier, however the report notes that TMP management had taken a number of steps to express its concern to Mr Te Rangi, including removing Mr Te Rangi from the assessment committee that considered funding decisions,” said Mr Moeke.

“Te Mängai Päho wanted this review to be carried out and is taking the findings seriously. I am confident that all staff are committed to implementing the recommendations.

“It has been a difficult time for my staff and the Board. We are all disappointed that Mr Te Rangi’s actions have impacted on Te Mängai Päho and threatened to put the integrity of our organisation at risk.

“I hope that with the release of the report we can all get on with our work of fostering the growth of Te Reo Maori through the funding of radio and television programmes,” said Mr Moeke.

The Board has been conscious of the need for accountability and has worked closely with management to ensure that this has occurred. This is borne out from the Audit NZ reports of Te Mängai Päho which have excellent ratings in all of recent years.

“The report makes it clear that Mr Te Rangi ignored clear direction, and the Chief Executive was dealing with a recalcitrant employee.”

He says the Board and the Chief Executive will be working on the recommendations made by the review team, which are already in place and approved by the Board.

“We hope the release of the report marks the end of a very difficult period for Te Mängai Päho and we can get on with the job of fostering Te Reo.

ENDS

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