The Incident at Nicola Willis' Office

On the evening of May 13, 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis hosted an informal pre-Budget drinks gathering in her parliamentary office for members of the press gallery. These events are common in New Zealand's political scene, providing journalists with opportunities to build relationships with ministers and staff while discussing upcoming policy matters in a relaxed setting. Attendees included senior political reporters from major outlets, creating a professional yet casual atmosphere lubricated by drinks.

The evening took a dramatic turn late into the night when a heated dispute erupted between TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman and Stuff political reporter Lloyd Burr. According to multiple witnesses, Sherman repeatedly directed the homophobic slur 'faggot' at Burr, who is openly gay. Sherman has reportedly claimed this was a retort to an alleged racial slur directed at her by Burr, a claim that Burr and his employer Stuff firmly deny.

Willis, who had briefly stepped out of the room, returned to overhear the offensive exchange. Prioritising a safe environment, she immediately shut down the event, asking attendees to leave. The disruption marked a stark contrast to the event's intended purpose of fostering dialogue ahead of the national budget announcement.

Detailed Timeline of the Exchange

Reconstructions from witnesses paint a clear sequence. The argument began over an undisclosed issue, escalating quickly amid alcohol consumption. Sherman allegedly shouted the slur multiple times, drawing attention from others present. Parliamentary staff and fellow journalists corroborated the intensity, noting it undermined the professional decorum expected in such settings.

• Early evening: Event commences with networking and pre-Budget chatter.
• Late night: Dispute ignites between Sherman and Burr.
• Immediate response: Willis intervenes upon hearing the language, ends gathering.
• Next day: Willis contacts Burr to check welfare; he opts not to pursue formally.

This timeline highlights how swiftly a professional interaction can deteriorate, especially in informal political environments where boundaries between work and socialising blur.

Key Figures in the Scandal

Maiki Sherman, TVNZ's political editor and former chair of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, is a prominent Māori journalist known for her coverage of indigenous issues and national politics. Her role places her at the heart of Wellington's media-political nexus.

Lloyd Burr, a seasoned reporter for Stuff and Newshub, brings experience from broadcasting and is recognised for his straightforward style. As an openly gay journalist, the alleged slur carries added weight in discussions of workplace discrimination.

Nicola Willis, as Finance Minister, acted decisively, demonstrating leadership in maintaining standards. Ani O'Brien, the conservative commentator whose Substack post broke the story publicly, has positioned herself as a watchdog on media accountability.

Immediate Aftermath and Willis' Intervention

Following the shutdown, Sherman was reportedly left in tears, underscoring the emotional toll. Willis' follow-up call to Burr the next day reflected concern for those affected, respecting his choice against escalation. This approach prioritised individual welfare over public spectacle at the time.

No immediate formal complaints surfaced within media circles, allowing the matter to simmer as rumour rather than headline. This restraint contrasted with the scrutiny journalists typically apply to politicians in similar scenarios.

A Year of Silence: Why Unreported?

For nearly 12 months, the incident circulated as whispers among Wellington insiders—parliamentary staff, MPs, and journalists—but evaded mainstream coverage. Factors included industry reluctance to air internal laundry, fears of reprisal in a tight-knit press gallery, and TVNZ's legal warnings to outlets like Newstalk ZB against publishing.

Official Information Act requests to TVNZ revealed patterns of complaints about bullying but no central tracking for gallery misconduct, fostering opacity at the state broadcaster.

Public Break: Ani O'Brien's Revelations

On April 28, 2026, O'Brien detailed the episode on Substack, citing witnesses and contextualising it within press gallery norms. The post ignited social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where users decried a 'conspiracy of silence' and demanded accountability.

Mainstream outlets like NZ Herald, RNZ, Stuff, and 1News quickly followed, amplifying the story amid accusations of media hypocrisy.

Political Reactions and Double Standards Debate

Deputy PM David Seymour labelled it 'disgraceful', spotlighting unequal scrutiny: an MP would face relentless coverage. Media Minister Paul Goldsmith urged TVNZ review without interference. Labour's Chris Hipkins withheld comment pending facts.

National MP Simeon Brown tied it to recent complaints against Sherman for pressuring whip Stuart Smith, breaching gallery rules.

TVNZ's Response and Internal Policies

TVNZ stonewalled, citing 'employment matters' and offering no insight into investigations or board briefings. Their Harmful Conduct Policy defines bullying broadly, yet OIA responses claim no responsive records on gallery issues, raising transparency questions for a publicly funded entity.

Stuff backed Burr unequivocally. Sherman remained silent publicly.

Implications for New Zealand Media Ethics

This scandal exposes frictions in the press gallery: rules against obstructing access or threats exist but enforcement lags. Journalists hold power yet evade parallel accountability, eroding public trust—already low at around 40% per recent surveys.

It prompts reflection on alcohol in professional settings, slurs' impact in diverse workplaces, and whether state media warrants stricter oversight.RNZ coverage underscores the debate.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Context

• Journalists: Mixed; some decry silence, others caution against pile-ons.
• Politicians: Call for equity in standards.
• LGBTQ+ Advocates: Concern over slur normalisation, though Burr's stance tempers outrage.
• Māori Media: Defend Sherman amid racial slur counter-claim.

Prior Sherman controversies—like poll coverage complaints (300+ to TVNZ) and gang story backlash—frame this as part of pattern scrutiny.

Photo by Rendy Novantino on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Accountability and Reform

Calls grow for Speaker investigations under gallery rules, potentially suspending access. TVNZ faces pressure for transparency, possibly via OIA reforms. Luxon's Breakfast boycott signals strained relations. Positive steps could include ethics training, clearer conduct codes, restoring credibility through even-handed scrutiny.

For NZ media, this tests resilience: addressing internals bolsters democracy's fourth estate role amid declining trust.