TVNZ’s political editor Maiki Sherman has announced her resignation, saying the pressure of recent scrutiny had made her position "untenable".
In a statement posted to social media, Sherman said there was no excuse for the language she used during an after-hours function at the Minister of Finance's office in May last year.
"The next morning, I apologised for my part in this both to the journalist and to the Minister, and those apologies were accepted. I also informed my manager," she said.
Sherman said her comments were made in response to “deeply personal and inappropriate remarks” directed at her that evening, but stressed this did not justify her actions.
"This does not excuse my actions, I took responsibility for that a year ago, it is merely to help others understand why I reacted in the way that I did."
She described the level of scrutiny in the past week as "unprecedented" and that it had placed "enormous pressure" on her.
"My role has become untenable and so I am finishing up with TVNZ today. I wish the team well."
Last week, it was reported that Sherman had allegedly directed a homophobic slur at a journalist while both were at a pre-Budget event held by Nicola Willis.
The allegations were first published on a blog by political blogger Ani O’Brien.
In an unrelated incident, Sherman was also suspended from Parliament for five days by Gerry Brownlee on April 30 after allegations TVNZ reporters "aggressively" pursued an interview with chief whip Stuart Smith.
"Subsequent to Television New Zealand stating that matters relating to a breach of Parliamentary press gallery rules by Maiki Sherman was a matter for the Speaker to deal with, I have done so," Brownlee said in a statement announcing the suspension.
He called it the "most appropriate course of action".
A TVNZ spokesperson said Sherman had made a "significant contribution" to our journalism as the first wahine Māori to lead 1News’ political team.
"Her reporting – from presenting our polls, to covering general elections and bringing breaking news out of the Beehive – has helped keep audiences across Aotearoa informed and engaged with the decisions being made on their behalf," they said.
"Maiki’s nomination in this year’s media awards for Political Journalist of the Year is a testament to the calibre of her work."
Sherman was appointed TVNZ's political editor in March 2024, replacing Jessica Mutch-McKay.
"This is a huge milestone for me, and one I’ve worked hard for,” she said in a statement at the time.
"I’m proud to be the first wahine Māori appointed as the political editor of a mainstream broadcast newsroom. That is something to be celebrated."
Sherman began her broadcasting career with Te Karere 18 years ago, joining the press gallery in 2012 and served as a political reporter for both Whakaata Māori and Newshub before rejoining 1News.
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