Merepeka Raukawa-Tait

Statement On The Appointment Of The New Ceo Of The Maori Television Service

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, a shortlisted candidate for position of CEO of the Maori Television Service, has described the appointment of Mr Fox as unbelievable and highly disturbing.

“The Swann Group which oversaw the interview process did not, in any of my interviews, indicate that Mr Fox was a candidate for the position. My final interview as a shortlisted candidate included Mr Fox as the Board Chairman.” Mrs Raukawa-Tait said.

“My interviews seemed rigorous, long and intensive, the Board seemed to want to get it right. I was delighted to be told I was on the short list of four for the position.” She said.

“I find the fact that someone who conducted the interviews as Chairman suddenly resigned and then became the CEO the very next day. It makes a mockery of a process that seemed robust and professional but obviously lapsed into farce.”

“No doubt my comments will be seen as those of a poor loser rather than those of a professional who undertook, in good faith, to be part of a selection process that now seems doubtful. I am concerned that this situation again provides more ammunition for the critics of Maori Television at time when its credibility is of the utmost importance.” She said.

“Surely the time to resign as Chair was at the start of the recruitment process. Personally I am inclined to the view that Derek may be the best person at this point in time, but surely he would want to know that he had competed for and gained the position by being put through the same rigorous interviewing process that I and the other shortlisted candidates were subject to.” She said.

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