TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman barred from Parliament for five days

Thursday, 30 April 2026

TVNZ’s under-fire political editor Maiki Sherman has been barred from reporting at Parliament for five days, Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee has confirmed.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Brownlee said he had determined that a temporary suspension, starting tomorrow, was the “most appropriate course of action”.

“Ms Sherman, the TVNZ political editor, has informed me that it was not her intention to go beyond the rules, but accepts that she did, and has accepted also the decision on this matter.”

It follows claims made by National MP Simeon Brown on social media last week that TVNZ political staff followed party whip Stuart Smith into an area of Parliament where media interviews are not typically allowed and “aggressively banged on his door for several minutes”.

Read more:

• The Beehive and the broadcaster: What next for TVNZ as frosty relations hit new low

• Mike Hosking says TVNZ ‘threatened to sue us’ over Maiki Sherman story

• Nicola Willis kept quiet due to ‘concern for the individual’ targeted

A complaint was lodged with both TVNZ and Brownlee.

Brownlee said “other outlets” also breached parliamentary rules as they covered a National Party caucus meeting on April 21, though he did not say what other outlets were involved.

“While I'm not able to identify individuals who were part of those breaches, I have been aware that the TVNZ political editor engaged in attempts to secure an interview that went beyond the prescription and spirit of the rules that had previously been agreed by the press gallery and Parliament,” said Brownlee.

Parliament’s rules state the Speaker has the power to “temporarily vary [a] member’s entitlements”, which can include restrictions on access or suspension, if the rules are breached.

TVNZ has previously defended the actions of its reporters, saying in a statement on Friday they were asking questions relating to a “legitimate story” and “on behalf of the public”.

“We have a different view of what took place. Irrespective, the correct place for complaints to be raised are with The Speaker of the House who has authority over these matters, not with TVNZ or on social media. Simeon Brown is well aware of this.”

A spokesperson confirmed TVNZ would accept any ruling handed down.

“We believe this is a matter for the Speaker. The Speaker is best to comment on their determinations, but we accept rulings that they make.”

After the decision was released, TVNZ said it had nothing further to add.

The stoush follows a tough week for the state broadcaster. Sherman is separately facing scrutiny over the alleged use of a slur against a fellow reporter while attending a pre-Budget drinks in the office of Nicola Willis almost a year ago.

So far, Sherman has not publicly addressed the concerns and has not responded to requests for comment, with TVNZ describing it as an employment matter.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also announced he would be pulling out of his weekly interview with TVNZ’s Breakfast show.