NATIONAL COLLECTIVE of
INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S REFUGES

MEDIA RELEASE – 17 July 2008

VEITCH RESIGNATIONS THE RIGHT DECISION

Women’s Refuge says Tony Veitch has done the right thing by resigning from his high profile broadcasting jobs.

The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says Mr Veitch’s positions at Television New Zealand and The Radio Network had become untenable.

“I think Tony probably became aware of the huge amount of public revulsion around the attack on his former partner, and has wisely come to the decision that he could not continue in those jobs.”

“He was seen by many as a role model in those jobs and was a very public face for those organisations, and his credibility and image have been significantly harmed as a result of his actions.”

“I think he recognised that to try to weather this storm out would have only continued to do both him and his employers more harm.”

Ms Henare says she is pleased Tony Veitch is continuing to receive counselling, but says it is still not clear if he has undergone the specific counselling he needs to address violence issues.

“I also think he still shows clear signs of not having a full appreciation and understanding of domestic violence and hope that is something that in time can change.”

“I think what Tony understands as being the right thing to say and do is still not in touch with complete reality and accepting full and unconditional responsibility.”

ENDS

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