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Maori Co-Leader Calls Sherman Slur Story Witch-Hunt

5/12/2026

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Story summary
  • Te Pati Maori co-leader Rawiri Waititi claimed the release of the homophobic-slur story was timed to damage presenter Maiki Sherman’s career.
  • Maiki Sherman resigned after an 11-day controversy involving an alleged slur aimed at Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr and an apology she gave next morning that her manager accepted.
  • Opposition MPs Huhana Lyndon, Steve Abel and Willie Jackson called the pressure on Sherman a witch-hunt driven by influence on broadcasters.