Apna 990 “radio-thon”. Allegedly broadcast statement that eight Fijian nationals had died in Christchurch earthquake. Not upheld (accuracy, responsible programming, and good taste and decency).
One News reported on legal aid lawyer Charl Hirschfeld’s resignation, with the statements that his “resignation comes within days of the Law Society launching an investigation into his legal aid work”, that he “topped the legal aid rich list”, that the LSA had “completed an investigation into payments to Mr Hirschfeld” and that “in the last year Charl Hirschfeld netted $3.2 million in legal aid money”. The Authority declined to uphold the complaint that the item breached the accuracy and fairness standards. Mr Hirschfeld’s arguments were primarily issues of semantics and the statements were not inaccurate or misleading; the broadcaster had treated him fairly since the item simply reported the facts and did not make any allegations of wrongdoing; and One News had also gone to his offices but he had been unavailable for comment.
Not Upheld: Accuracy, Fairness
One News. Item about arming police officers referred to police “force”. Declined to determine on the grounds that the complaint was frivolous (accuracy).
Te Karere. Presenter noted that Māori Party was using “a Chinese lawyer who has a lack of knowledge of Māori process”. Not upheld (discrimination and denigration).
7 Days. Comedy programme contained racial comments, coarse language and sexual connotations. Not upheld (good taste and decency, and responsible programming).
TVNZ News Now. Item containing footage of teenage girl beating another and two girls fighting was not preceded by a warning. Not upheld (responsible programming, children’s interests and violence – action taken).
Hooked in New Zealand. Host and other competitors in a fishing competition shown drinking beer and shots of sambuca. Not upheld (liquor and law and order).
Closer. Movie contained potentially offensive language. Not upheld (responsible programming and discrimination and denigration).
3 News. News reader stated “What is wrong with these people, I ask”, with reference to people declining invitations to Royal wedding. Declined to determine (discrimination and denigration).
Sean Plunket Morning. Host interviewed Dr Paul Connett about his views against fluoridation of water. Not upheld (controversial issues, fairness, and discrimination and denigration).