The Sudden Departure of TVNZ's Political Editor

Maiki Sherman, the trailblazing political editor at TVNZ's 1News, announced her resignation on May 8, 2026, marking the end of a tumultuous period marked by intense public and professional scrutiny. In a candid social media post, Sherman described her position as having become "untenable," citing the unprecedented pressure she had endured over the previous week. This development leaves TVNZ without a dedicated political editor just three weeks before the national Budget delivery and six months ahead of a pivotal general election, raising questions about leadership stability in New Zealand's state broadcaster during a critical political juncture.

Sherman's exit caps a series of high-profile incidents that thrust her from behind the camera into the spotlight. As the first wahine Māori to lead a mainstream broadcast newsroom's political team, her departure has sparked debates about accountability, media ethics, and the unique pressures faced by journalists of color in high-stakes roles. TVNZ's chief news and content officer, Nadia Tolich, acknowledged the challenges Sherman faced, praising her contributions and noting her nomination for Political Journalist of the Year in the upcoming media awards.

Tracing Maiki Sherman's Illustrious Career Path

Maiki Sherman's journey in journalism spans nearly two decades, rooted deeply in Māori media and evolving into a prominent voice in national politics. Born in Auckland and raised partly in Rotorua, Sherman (Ngāpuhi/Whakatōhea) began her career in 2008 as a reporter for TVNZ's te reo Māori news program Te Karere. She honed her skills at Waiariki Polytech before entering the parliamentary press gallery in 2012, working for Whakaata Māori and Newshub.

Her reputation for tenacious reporting grew, leading to her role as deputy political editor at TVNZ before her appointment as political editor in March 2024, succeeding Jessica Mutch McKay. This milestone made her the first Māori woman in the position, a role she embraced with pride, vowing to hold power to account while bringing diverse perspectives to political coverage. Sherman presented key polls, moderated debates like the Kaupapa Māori Debate, and broke stories from the Beehive, earning accolades for her calm leadership and commitment to impartial journalism.

Throughout her career, Sherman has advocated for Māori voices, drawing from personal experiences of cultural reclamation. Her work has covered elections, policy shifts, and social issues, positioning her as a bridge between mainstream and iwi-focused reporting. This background underscores the significance of her resignation, not just for TVNZ but for representation in New Zealand's media landscape.

Unpacking the Homophobic Slur Allegation from Last Year

The catalyst for renewed scrutiny was an incident nearly a year prior, in May 2025, during informal pre-Budget drinks hosted by Finance Minister Nicola Willis in her parliamentary office. Sherman acknowledged using an offensive homophobic slur—specifically "faggot"—toward fellow journalist Lloyd Burr of Stuff. She contextualized it as a heated response to "deeply personal and inappropriate remarks" directed at her that evening, which she described as racially charged, though Burr has denied this.

The next morning, Sherman promptly apologized to both Burr and Willis, who accepted the gesture, and informed her TVNZ manager. The matter appeared resolved until early May 2026, when right-leaning commentator Ani O'Brien highlighted it in a Substack column. This reignited coverage, with Stuff standing firmly by Burr's account and TVNZ facing questions over an earlier legal threat to Newstalk ZB to suppress the story—a move that drew criticism for potentially chilling media freedom.

Willis had shut down the event upon overhearing the exchange, emphasizing the unprofessional conduct at a ministerial function. Sherman took full responsibility in her resignation statement, stating there was "no excuse" for her language while providing context for her reaction. This episode highlighted the blurred lines between off-the-record networking and professional boundaries in Wellington's tight-knit political-media circle.

The Parliamentary Suspension: A Breach of Press Gallery Rules

Compounding the slur story was a more recent clash in late April 2026, centered on Sherman's pursuit of an interview with National Party chief whip Stuart Smith. Amid speculation of internal unrest—fueled by leaks questioning Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's leadership following poor polling and a Cabinet reshuffle—Smith skipped a key caucus meeting, citing a personal appointment.

TVNZ reporters, led by Sherman, followed Smith into a parliamentary corridor designated as media-excluded, allegedly banging on his door and pressing for comment despite his refusals. National campaign chair Simeon Brown lodged a formal complaint, prompting Speaker Gerry Brownlee to suspend Sherman's press gallery accreditation for five days (May 1-6, 2026). Brownlee cited a breach of the "rules and spirit" of gallery conduct, noting similar issues with other outlets but singling out Sherman.

Sherman accepted the decision, stating it was unintentional, while TVNZ disputed aspects of the complaint. This incident occurred against a backdrop of Luxon's confidence vote win and his cancellation of a regular Breakfast slot with host Tova O'Brien, who had amplified the Smith story. It underscored escalating tensions between the National-led government and media, with accusations of aggressive tactics.

A Detailed Timeline of Events Leading to Resignation

• May 2025: Slur incident at Willis' pre-Budget drinks; Sherman apologizes next day.
• Late 2025: Newstalk ZB investigates; TVNZ issues legal threat to halt broadcast.
• Late April 2026: Pursuit of Stuart Smith in Parliament corridor; National complains.
• April 28, 2026: Slur story resurfaces via RNZ and Ani O'Brien.
• April 29-30, 2026: Brownlee announces suspension; Sherman withdraws from Luxon's Singapore trip.
• Early May 2026: Ongoing media coverage, internal TVNZ discussions.
• May 8, 2026: Sherman resigns via X; TVNZ confirms, praises her legacy.

This chronology reveals how past and present collided, amplifying pressure in an election year.

Diverse Reactions Across the Political and Media Spectrum

Responses to Sherman's resignation have been polarized. Māori leaders like Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara called the treatment "deeply upsetting," framing it as symptomatic of challenges for wahine Māori in media. Supporters highlighted her historic role and argued the scrutiny was disproportionate, potentially a political hit amid government-media frictions.

Conversely, critics emphasized accountability: the slur's unacceptability in a professional setting, rule-breaking in Parliament, and prior bias allegations. Former TV political editors Mark Sainsbury, Stephen Parker, and Paddy Gower offered nuanced views—legitimate coverage but excessive intensity, urging TVNZ to back its editor. Social media buzzed with debates on free speech, Māori representation, and journalism standards. Stuff reaffirmed support for Burr, while TVNZ focused on Sherman's achievements. RNZ's coverage captured the emotional toll.

TVNZ's Official Stance and Succession Challenges

TVNZ respected Sherman's choice, with Tolich thanking staff for resilience and highlighting her award nomination as evidence of excellence. Internally, discussions with high-profile lawyer Linda Clark preceded the exit, suggesting a managed departure. The broadcaster now faces a leadership vacuum: no political editor for Budget scrutiny or election campaigning, critical for 1News' audience engagement.

Potential successors include colleagues like Mei Heron, who covered Luxon's Asia trip. Former editors stress the need for unwavering support to thrive in the role. This shake-up echoes past media upheavals, testing TVNZ's resilience amid funding pressures and audience shifts. Insights from ex-editors underscore the position's demands.

Navigating Tensions Between Government and Media

Sherman's saga unfolds amid frosty relations between the National-led coalition and state media. Luxon's poll critiques, Breakfast slot cancellation, and complaints signal a combative stance. Deputy PM David Seymour's barbs at broadcasters and calls for reforms amplify distrust. Critics see politicization; defenders argue for balanced scrutiny of power.

New Zealand's compact media ecosystem—where journalists mingle with politicians—intensifies such clashes. Social media accelerates outrage, blurring private-public lines. This environment challenges impartiality, especially for underrepresented voices like Sherman's.

Implications for Māori Women in Political Journalism

As the first in her role, Sherman's experience spotlights barriers for Māori women: heightened scrutiny, cultural navigation, and resilience demands. Advocates decry a pattern of hounding, while others prioritize conduct standards universally. Her legacy—amplifying iwi perspectives—inspires, but exit prompts reflection on inclusive newsrooms. NZ Herald detailed her milestone appointment.

Photo by Rubaitul Azad on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Lessons for Media and Politics

Sherman's resignation prompts introspection: bolstering ethics training, clarifying gallery rules, fostering dialogue. For TVNZ, swift succession is key; for politics, de-escalating media wars aids democracy. Ultimately, it reaffirms journalism's vital scrutiny role, demanding grace under pressure and unity in adversity.

As New Zealand approaches fiscal and electoral milestones, balanced coverage remains paramount. Sherman's story, while contentious, enriches discourse on media evolution in Aotearoa.