TVNZ staff under investigation for marijuana use tried to get photos taken during a smoking session deleted, according to people at the gathering.
But others who were present say the few images taken don’t show anything incriminating – and TVNZ does not have copies.
Three staff at TVNZ’s flagship current affairs show Close Up have been accused of smoking marijuana after filming a segment called “Reefer Madness”, which screened last Tuesday. A fourth TVNZ staff member was also present.
The story showed supporters of the movement travelling to Waitangi and featured interviews with campaigner Dakta Green, previously known as Kenneth Morgan.
Online debate about the show among pro-legilisation campaigners prompted complaints to TVNZ and the claim staff socialised and smoked marijuana with the campaigners after the story.
TVNZ has refused to name the individuals involved but said a formal employment investigation is underway.
Green also declined to identify those involved – or if they had smoked. He said they had not smoked it during the trip north, despite being offered.
“We don’t out people. Whether some or all of the TVNZ people had a smoke with us is something I will not confirm or deny.”
Green said on arrival at Waitangi, the three Close Up staff left for their hotel. They returned with the fourth person to take evening footage.
Green said they joined reformers to socialise outside the campaign vehicle after completing their work. About 25 people were present at the time.
He said at one stage a photograph was taken and one of the TVNZ staff asked that it be deleted. The image was not deleted, “but it didn’t show anything”, said Green.
The person who took the images said they had not been provided to TVNZ and would not be distributed.
It was a step back from a threat by the same person last week. They told an internet forum: “Photos of journalists/cameraman, partaking of the truly miracle plant will be published here soon!”
TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the state broadcaster had received “serious allegations” and an investigation was under way.
Senior Sergeant Matt Rogers said it was unlikely police would investigate.
Employment lawyer Greg Cain said TVNZ would likely strike trouble investigating the allegation.
He said the staff concerned could have grounds to refuse to respond to the allegations because to do so would be self-incriminating.
Source http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10626017
Employment lawyer Greg Cain said TVNZ would likely strike trouble investigating the allegation. —– He said the staff concerned could have grounds to refuse to respond to the allegations because to do so would be self-incriminating.
Utterly simplistic.. guilt by association, if you dont give us the names your hiding something (McCarthyism) occurs in low threshold justice environments such as employment or sports. It is part of the idiom of intollerance. If we are not tough, they will get away with it… and that might hurt somebody’s career climbing objectives.
The real story is TVNZ hatchet job, who decided, who ‘sculpted’ the script, what purpose was it to serve and thus ‘void’ the character and sentiment of the Waitangi visit.
That backstory On TVNZ staff is by far the more interesting.
This has happened to divert attention away from what has really happened, the fact that TVNZ have done a Hatchet Job on us.
What is a “Hatchet Job”?
The TVNZ staff have one big advantage, They have more witnesses, This is Defamation and should be treated as such.
TVNZ have no advantages. Last time I checked, one has confessed, and given the names of the others. There is no denial on their part.
If they reported in a fair and balanced manner, then this would have never happened, NORML members would have embraced the story.
I met the TVNZ film crew involved in this along with Datka and others on their way to Waitangi when they stopped at Wellsford. I too saw what was aired on Close-up at it had nothing to do with what the real story was and what was being talked about. “Reefer Madness” wtf is up with that shit?? I am a medical user and the story told on tv had nothing to do with ppl like me who are too scared to stand up for the fear of the law. DG is out there trying to make life a lil better for ppl like myself in this country, but the media find it easier to hide that away.
Is there a place I can find the dates and places the cannabus will be visiting for this Armistice tour? I want to come along but I can’t find anything about it.
Hey Jodi, hope your well.
Blackazacat: Its not Defamation when its the truth dood.
Hope they all jeep their jobs in all respect
Dakta SiFFiN: I have yet to see any evidence that the TVNZ staff even did have a smoke.
If TVNZ have no proof, then it is Defamation.
@Stephen
The dates will be announced soon, there will be a message sent out to all our members, so I suggest you join our group if you haven’t already.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97091829186
Thankyou
There’s no doubt about it, the Volcano is the cadillac vaporizer. I swear it’s amazing. There’s plenty of cheaper options, but you’re not going find that level of quality in any of the competitors. I had a Vapir, I had a Vapor Bros setup, nether compared. You get what you pay for. And at $500-600 for a Volcano Vaporizer, you’re definitely “paying” for it. As far as “healthier” consumption of marijuana is concerned, it’s been proven over and over that the vaporizing is the way to go…