A prominent Māori leader has spoken out about the resignation of 1News political editor Maiki Sherman, saying the treatment she faced had been “deeply upsetting” to witness. 

Sherman announced her departure yesterday, after a turbulent 11 days. 

They included a five-day suspension from Parliament for breaching parliamentary press gallery rules, as well as making headlines early last week for allegedly directing a homophobic slur at journalist Lloyd Burr in May 2025. 

Former TVNZ broadcaster and Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara said her former colleague was “one of the sharpest political journalists in the country”, praising her fearless reporting and ability to move “between te ao Māori, media and the political establishment so effortlessly and powerfully”. 

She said Sherman’s rise as the first wāhine Māori political editor at 1News carried significant cultural importance, with many Māori – particularly wāhine and rangatahi – seeing themselves reflected in her success. 

Kaipara also said the scrutiny and political pressure surrounding Sherman had felt “excessive and deeply uncomfortable to watch unfold”. 

She said Sherman’s resignation would not diminish her legacy and said she was a trailblazer who had changed the landscape for Māori representation in political journalism. 

“Too often, wāhine Māori who rise into positions of influence are subjected to a level of scrutiny and hostility far beyond what others endure,” Kaipara said. 

“Parliament and political culture in this country have long struggled with this. 

“Regardless of where people sit politically, Maiki changed the landscape forever. 

“She opened doors that had never been opened before and represented Māori with immense strength and mana.” 

In a post on X on Friday afternoon, Sherman said she acknowledged the events of the past week and announced her departure from TVNZ. 

“The level of scrutiny on me this past week has been unprecedented, and this has placed enormous pressure on me. 

“My role has become untenable, and so I am finishing up with TVNZ today.” 

Sherman also clarified the details of the recent reporting around her actions. 

“Almost a year ago, I made an offensive comment to a fellow journalist during an after-hours function in the Minister of Finance’s office. 

“There is no excuse for the language I used.” 

She went on to say that she apologised to the journalist and the minister the next morning. Sherman said she also informed her manager. 

“Those apologies were accepted,” she said. 

Sherman said from her perspective, and for context, the offensive comment was made “in response to deeply personal and inappropriate remarks” made to her that evening. 

“This does not excuse my actions. I took responsibility for that a year ago; it is merely to help others understand why I reacted in the way I did,” she wrote. 

Burr previously denied making a slur. 

Stuff said last week: “Stuff Group stands by, and has complete faith in, Lloyd Burr’s account of the events and his conduct in Minister Willis’ office last May. 

“We will continue to respect his wishes not to comment further on what occurred that night.” 

On Friday, Stuff said it stood by its statement last week. 

On Saturday, it was revealed that Sherman was no longer assigned to the Prime Minister’s short visit to Singapore earlier this week. TVNZ would not say whether that was her choice, or a call made by the broadcaster. 

The Herald understands TVNZ and Sherman have been in discussions since Monday. 

Rachel Maher is an investigative reporter covering Auckland issues and education. She started at the Herald as a breaking news journalist in 2022, before joining the Auckland team this year.