TVNZ's chief executive has ordered a review of its recruitment processes after Breakfast host Kamahl Santamaria suddenly resigned from his role days ago.
Santamaria resigned from the Breakfast position on Saturday - just over a month after joining the TVNZ production - amid reports of a complaint of inappropriate behaviour there. In the days since, Newshub has verified complaints were made about Santamaria at his previous employer, Al Jazeera and seen an inappropriate email one former colleague says he sent her.
Staff at TVNZ have reportedly raised concerns about the process of hiring Santamaria. Paul Yurisich, the state-owned broadcaster's current Head of News and Current Affairs, also previously worked at Al Jazeera as an executive producer.
TVNZ chief executive Simon Power confirmed to Newshub that the state broadcaster will undertake a review of its recruitment policies, processes, and practices to ensure they are fit for purpose and appropriately robust.
"It's my view our general policy hasn't been followed or applied consistently so needs to be reviewed. I have asked senior employment lawyer Margaret Robins to conduct the review," he said.
"While I can't comment on specific employment matters, we do not tolerate any form of harassment or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. If a team member raises an issue concerning the behaviour of another staff member it's taken extremely seriously, treated confidentially, and investigated swiftly.
"Our number one priority, regardless of other matters, is to support and care for the individual who raises the issue. We're committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive and respectful.
"The wellbeing of our people and providing a safe workplace is TVNZ's top priority. Any concerns from staff are always taken very seriously and we have robust structures in place to support our people in all areas of our organisation."
Kris Faafoi, the Broadcasting Minister, said earlier on Tuesday that it wasn't his role "to get involved in HR issues", but he has sought assurances from TVNZ - which is state-owned, but independently operated - that the right processes were followed when Santamaria was hired for the high-profile role.
He told reporters he expects a response in "two or three days", but doesn't want to place a "time constraint on them".
Faafoi wouldn't say whether he was satisfied with TVNZ's management of the situation so far.
"That is not for me to comment on. Those issues are for TVNZ. We have sought an assurance that processes around recruitment are adhered to. It's important as a Government, as a public broadcaster, that we have assurances of that."
Recruitment processes should be "robust", he said.
Newshub has seen an email from Santamaria to a former co-worker at Al Jazeera, in which he says: "There is no more attractive outfit on a woman than the white blouse/black skirt combo and YOU are making it work, baby."
The message was sent in conjunction with several instances of unwanted physical advances in the workplace, its recipient said.
The woman who received the email at Al Jazeera told Newshub she eventually complained to management about Santamaria's behaviour. While she isn't aware of what the consequences were, she said he subsequently ceased harassing her and instead ignored her in the workplace.
At the time she made her complaint, Yurisich did not work at Al Jazeera.
Newshub understands Santamaria's "creepy, touchy-feely" reputation was well known and talked about among female staff members at Al Jazeera.
When asked about Santamaria's exit, TVNZ said it doesn't comment on individual employment matters.
