RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson has brought forward his departure date from the public broadcaster, with his final date now set for Monday, November 16.
Thompson, who has led RNZ for 13 years, was originally due to leave on December 31.
The announcement comes as RNZ grapples with an $11.8 million loss for the year to June, more than 25 times the $470,000 it had forecast, and plans to cut 58 jobs by the end of March.
In a message to staff, Thompson said he believed bringing forward his departure was in the best interests of himself, his family and RNZ.
"I have led the organisation for 13 years. It has been a privilege," he said.
The broadcaster said inaccurate internal financial reporting meant its board and management had been unaware of the scale of the financial problems, preventing them from taking corrective action earlier.
RNZ was now planning to reduce operating costs by at least 5%, with job cuts expected across several departments.
The annual loss was more than 25 times its forecast, prompting 58 full-time job losses. (Source: 1News)
"The last few weeks have, of course, been difficult. As Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief I take responsibility for the financial issues we are dealing with. It is a sad note to end on," Thompson said.
He said he would contribute to an independent review into the broadcaster's financial management to help identify what went wrong.
Board chair Brent Impey paid tribute to Thompson's leadership, saying he had responded to a "difficult situation with courage and integrity".
"He has led the organisation strongly through a period of significant change and has been a champion of a strong and independent public media," Impey said.
"I have considerable empathy for him as a chief executive who was provided with inaccurate financial information."
RNZ chief news officer Mark Stevens would take over as acting chief executive and editor-in-chief from Tuesday, November 17, ahead of NZME chief audio officer Jason Winstanley taking up the permanent role in 2027.
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