Full Breakdown
TVNZ's Legal Threat Halts Newstalk ZB's Maiki Sherman Story
4/29/2026, 4:27:39 AM
Core Event
Newstalk ZB, owned by NZME, pursued a story alleging that TVNZ political editor Willis used offensive language toward reporter Maiki Sherman during a press-gallery function in May. After commentator Ani O’Brien disclosed the allegation on Substack, TVNZ sent Newstalk ZB a broad legal warning. Host Mike Hosking described the warning as creating a “chilling effect,” and the story was not broadcast.
Background & Context
The allegation first appeared in O’Brien’s Substack post, which cited Willis’s own admission that offensive language was used in her office. Willis later confirmed to the NZ Herald that she had hosted a press-gallery function ahead of the previous year’s Budget, left the room briefly, returned to hear the language, and terminated the event. She also said the reporter chose not to pursue the matter further.
Timeline of Key Developments
- May (previous year) – Offensive language used at press-gallery function hosted by Willis.
- Early June – Ani O’Brien publishes allegation on Substack.
- Following day – Willis confirms incident to the NZ Herald; reporter declines further action.
- Days later – Newstalk ZB investigates; TVNZ issues broad legal warning to NZME.
- After warning – Mike Hosking reports “chilling effect”; story not aired.
Official Statements & Responses
TVNZ declined to comment on employment matters, maintaining its standard non-comment stance. NZME has not commented on the legal correspondence. Hosking said the political editor’s alleged conduct was “unacceptable” and questioned whether it warranted dismissal. Willis explained she ended the function upon hearing the language and respected the reporter’s decision not to pursue the complaint.
Criticism of TVNZ's Legal Tactics
Hosking argued that TVNZ’s use of corporate lawyers to threaten another broadcaster was “unwise” and suggested the broadcaster could have addressed the issue without resorting to legal intimidation.
Impact on Media Coverage
The legal warning had a chilling effect on coverage of the alleged incident, prompting Newstalk ZB to drop the story. Hosking described the letter as a “broad-based” threat, which he said contributed to the decision to drop the story.
Verbatim Quotes
- “TVNZ threatened to sue us,” — Mike Hosking, Newstalk ZB breakfast host
- “What’s the term they use in legal circles? It had a chilling effect.” — Mike Hosking, Newstalk ZB breakfast host
- “The political editor of the state broadcaster allegedly saying what she did is unacceptable, I think in most people’s minds,” — Mike Hosking, Newstalk ZB breakfast host
- “I was out of the room for a few minutes and returned to hear offensive language being used.” — Willis, TVNZ political editor
What May Follow
TVNZ has not provided further comment, leaving the matter unresolved. Hosking warned it was “always going to come out in some way, shape or form.”
