Campaign Grows in Support of Journalist Hüseyin Doğru Amid EU Sanctions
May 22, 2026
Belarusian Journalist Reportedly Falls Seriously Ill in Prison Amid Ongoing Crackdown
May 22, 2026
May 22, 2026 – General –
Former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman has won Political Journalist of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Media Awards, only weeks after resigning from her role amid controversy and mounting public attention. Sherman accepted the award during a ceremony in Auckland and used her speech to address the recent scrutiny surrounding her departure from the broadcaster.
During her acceptance speech, Sherman told the audience the recognition confirmed what she already believed about her work, saying she was “a darn good journalist.” She also acknowledged the difficult period she had experienced in recent weeks and said she had considered not attending the ceremony before deciding to appear publicly.
Sherman resigned from TVNZ earlier this month after controversy linked to an incident at a pre-Budget gathering in Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ office in 2025. Reports stated Sherman used a homophobic slur toward Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr during the event. Sherman later apologized and said there was no excuse for her language, while also claiming her reaction followed remarks directed at her personally during the gathering.
The incident triggered intense public debate in New Zealand’s media and political circles. Sherman was also temporarily suspended from Parliament’s press gallery over a separate rules breach shortly before announcing her resignation. In a statement released at the time, she described the pressure and scrutiny surrounding the controversies as unprecedented and said her role at TVNZ had become “untenable.”
TVNZ praised Sherman’s contribution to political journalism following her departure, highlighting her role as the first wahine Māori political editor at 1News. The broadcaster said her reporting on elections, polling, and parliamentary affairs helped inform audiences across New Zealand.
Reaction to Sherman’s award has remained divided online and within the journalism industry. Supporters argued the recognition reflected the quality of her political reporting despite recent controversies, while critics questioned the decision in light of the incident that led to her resignation. Discussions across social media and online forums have continued to debate media accountability, newsroom standards, and the treatment of journalists facing public criticism.
Reference –
