Watch: RNZ chair tells media 'give us a break' before admitting he inadvertently misled select committee over Carol Hirschfeld meeting with Broadcasting Minister

Richard Griffin said the episode has resulted in the loss of a talented journalist from the broadcaster.

RNZ Chair Richard Griffin fronted up to MPs today, admitting he inadvertently misled the committee on March 1 this year. 

ONN 1 News at 6 promo image

"It is with acute embarrassment we are back here, but we feel we have to explain ourselves," he said. 

Richard Griffin is fronting the committee over the Broadcasting Minister's meeting with RNZ staffer Carol Hirschfeld.

Of the meeting between Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran and former broadcaster Carol Hirschfeld, Mr Griffin says the problem was not the meeting but of perception.

"Once we knew it, we had to take the action appropriately."

"This is still a very strong, independent and robust company. Staff morale is as high as it has ever been and we will continue to operate as we can."

Carol Hirschfeld and Clare Curran.

CEO Paul Thompson says he sincerely apologises for inadvertently misleading the select committee.

"Any perception of any interference with our integrity is deeply concerning," Mr Thompson told MPs.

National MP Melissa Lee asked about the trust they held in Ms Hirschfeld and Mr Griffin said they trusted her completely.

Mr Griffin confirmed Ms Hirschfeld had lied to Mr Thompson four times about the meeting with Ms Curran.

In newly released statements from the meeting, Mr Griffin revealed the sequence of events from December 5 to March 29, showing additional information:  

On March 22, Mr Griffin was called by the Minister's office, saying Ms Curran would be questioned in the House "and that the issue of the December 5 meeting may arise".

"I was told that, if the matter was raised, the Minister and her staff would be responding as they felt appropriate and that they expected there would be 'no comment' from RNZ. I asked if that meant the meeting was in fact arranged prior to December 5 and I was told that was the case," Mr Griffin's timeline stated. 

As well as this, on March 24, Mr Griffin said he called Ms Curran about the meeting with Carol Hirschfeld and how it was pre-arranged. 

"[Ms Curran] responded defensively and said she could talk to anyone she wants. When pressed she acknowledged the information was correct and in fact she had initiated the meeting."

Mr Griffin claims at one stage the Minister asked: "'What is your source?" He said he "asked her why she hadn't informed me sooner. In response, she said I should have asked her." 

1NEWS has requested a copy, or transcript, of the voicemail Clare Curran left Richard Griffin last week and are still waiting for a response from RNZ.

SHARE ME

More Stories