MediaWorks board chair has resigned in the wake of a scathing independent investigation which revealed a "harmful 'Boys' Club' culture" and multiple allegations of sexual harassment and harm in the company.
Jack Mattews resigned with immediate effect on Friday.
"After nearly five years as chair of MediaWorks, I have decided to resign with immediate effect," he said in a statement.
"I am proud of the work we have done at MediaWorks; however, it is clear from the recent culture review completed by Maria Dew QC that there are systemic, longstanding cultural issues that need to be urgently and proactively addressed."
"Part of that action must include bringing new leadership that can bring a fresh perspective to the challenges we face and address the issues identified in the Maria Dew report.
"I'm confident that in Cam Wallace, MediaWorks has a strong and committed Chief Executive who will be able to drive the changes needed to make MediaWorks the company we all want it to be. I wish the company, and most importantly its dedicated and passionate staff, all the best."
MediaWorks' board of directors accepted Matthews resignation, praising him for his work at the company.
"Jack has been the chair of MediaWorks for nearly five years and inherited the organisation at a time of challenge. During his time as chair, Jack has helped bring stability to MediaWorks, overseeing the successful merger with the New Zealand assets of Australian outdoor advertising company QMS and sale of the television arm of the business to Discovery, while maintaining MediaWorks' position as New Zealand's commercial radio market leader. We thank Jack for his work and wish him all the best for the future.
"The board is committed to addressing the findings of the review and ensuring MediaWorks builds a strong culture going forward. Work is already underway to address many of the recommendations from the review.
Existing independent board member Wayne Stevenson will step into the chair position in the interim.
The report's findings were released last Wednesday. The investigation, which was carried out by Maria Dew QC, gathered data from over 480 current staff and found that at least 22 percent of all participants had witnessed sexual harassment at MediaWorks and 18 percent of female participants (44 employees) had personally experienced sexual harassment.
Seven male employees also reported personal experiences of sexual harassment.
Six participants came forward with serious allegations of sexual assault caused to them while at work, or while attending events run by the radio company. One of these complaints has been referred to the CEO for further action.
In a statement, MediaWorks CEO Cam Wallace apologised to the victims and committed to serious change.
"I would like to unreservedly apologise on behalf of MediaWorks to current and former staff for MediaWorks' failures over the past years to inadequately respond to complaints of misconduct, and for the harm that this has caused," he said.
Wallace said MediaWorks, which owned Newshub until it was sold to Discovery in 2020, would move forward on all 32 recommendations from the workplace review which give "clear direction for creating long-term change".
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