Full Breakdown
Newstalk ZB Upholds MPs’ Leaker Complaints
5/26/2026, 10:50:14 PM
Alleged Leakers Named on Air
In April 2024, Newstalk ZB host Mike Hosking named five National Party MPs—Joseph Mooney, Andrew Bayly, Sam Uffindell, Tim van de Molen and Barbara Kuriger as alleged “leakers.” All denied the claim and filed complaints, saying the allegation aired without prior comment.
Chronology
April 2024: Hosking’s broadcast names the MPs. Days later, MPs lodge complaints. Newstalk ZB’s review sends Mooney a letter upholding the complaint and reminding staff of editorial duties. Mooney shares letter on social media, calling it an apology. NZME’s spokeswoman says the response “speaks for itself.” Late April: Luxon wins a caucus confidence vote.
Official Responses
Newstalk ZB concluded the allegation should have been offered to MPs for comment before broadcast. Its letter to Mooney affirmed the complaint was upheld and reminded staff of editorial obligations. NZME’s spokesperson said the response was sufficient. Luxon’s leadership was reaffirmed by a caucus confidence vote.
Criticism and Opposition
The MPs said the broadcast breached journalistic practice by not seeking comment. Mooney called the incident “a pretty dumb thing” and said the acknowledgment fell short of a formal apology, urging stronger adherence to journalistic standards.
Conflicting Accounts
Mooney treats the letter as an apology; an NZME source says no apology was offered, calling it “semantics.” The precise remedial steps beyond the internal reminder are unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “First of all, I am not a journalist,” Hosking said. “Second of all, I don’t have sources. Somebody told me this, and I know that they know ... they didn’t say off the record. I said, ‘Who are they?’ and they went ‘bing, bing, bing, bing and bing.’ “I don’t know how widely these names are known because I don’t care and I haven’t inquired but I have impeccable sources.” — Mike Hosking
- “Having reviewed the matter, we acknowledge that the allegation that you were one of the five National Party ‘leakers’ should have been put to you for comment prior to the broadcast.” — Newstalk ZB (letter)
- “ Mooney said in his social media post: “I hope this leads to more robust adherence to good fundamental journalistic standards going forwards.” — Joseph Mooney (social media)
- “Our response speaks for itself. We don’t have anything to add.” — NZME spokeswoman
Future Outlook
Newstalk ZB has invited Mooney to discuss the issue on Hosking’s show; Mooney says he will not pursue further action. Observers note the case may prompt internal reviews of editorial processes at NZME.
