Veitch suspended from radio sports job

Police to investigate Veitch assault

Television and radio sports presenter Tony Veitch has been suspended from Radio Sport after revelations of an attack on his former partner that reportedly left her in a wheelchair.

The Radio Network's general manager of talk programmes, Bill Francis, said today Veitch would be suspended while he was investigated over allegations he assaulted his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell in 2006.

"Given the nature of the claims that have been made, we feel we need more information than may be currently available to us," Mr Francis said.

"While the investigation continues Tony will be suspended, in line with our policy on matters involving such allegations, and we will follow the required process that applies for all TRN employees.

"Assault or other violent behaviour is not condoned by TRN."

Veitch's other employer TVNZ indicated it did not intend to take any action today after Veitch was earlier stood down from his sports presenter role on One News.

TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis told One News tonight he only found out about the incident involving Ms Dunne-Powell on Monday – the day the allegations broke.

He said no one at TVNZ had been involved in brokering the agreement between the couple.

He said TVNZ wanted to be as open as it could, but must also consider its duties as a fair employer.

"There are complex employment and privacy aspects to this situation that restrict what can be said publicly. I would ask for the public's patience while we go through our processes in a proper way."

 

Police have assigned an investigator to look into the admission by broadcaster Tony Veitch that he assaulted his ex-partner.

Auckland City Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said the investigating officer would assess information in the public domain, including the statement delivered by Mr Veitch yesterday.

Police have not received a formal complaint of assault regarding the incident.

Veitch admitted yesterday afternoon that he "lashed out in anger" and assaulted Kristin Dunne-Powell.

Veitch, 34, also refused to take questions at a press conference where - with wife Zoe Halford beside him - he admitted the 2006 incident at his Auckland home.

He gave no details of the assault, which broke Ms Dunne-Powell's back in four places, injured her head and left her in a wheelchair for some time.

"In the end my frustration took over. I broke and lashed out in anger, something I will regret till the end of my days," he said.

"I have lived with that night in my conscience ever since, and I will always do so. I make no excuses for what I did."

Veitch's prepared statement came two days after The Dominion Post reported that he secretly agreed to pay Ms Dunne-Powell more than $100,000 in return for her silence.

He has been off air since Tuesday, when he stood down from his Radio Sport breakfast show and from presenting the sports news for One News.

He was set to front TVNZ's Beijing Olympics coverage next month, and features in promotional material sent to media on Tuesday. It is understood he earns about $400,000 from his two main jobs, and thousands more from celebrity speaking engagements.

TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis refused to discuss Veitch's future and did not respond to questions from The Dominion Post. In a short written statement, he said a review process that began on Monday was continuing, and that Veitch's admission and apology would be taken into account.

"We are giving the situation our most serious consideration ... Violence is a major issue in New Zealand and the profile of our on-air presenters is important to the public and to our organisation." Mr Ellis said TVNZ had "a number" of conversations with Veitch and his legal representatives and there were "significant and complex" issues that restricted what could be said publicly.

Radio Sport boss Bill Francis, who accompanied Veitch to yesterday's press conference in Auckland, did not comment afterwards and could not be reached last night.

Police said yesterday they would consider Veitch's statement.

Struggling with his emotions, the award-winning broadcaster said he assaulted Ms Dunne-Powell shortly after the pair split. She went to his home for dinner, and afterwards "we had a major disagreement and we argued for a long time".

He said he had "no excuses" but was exhausted physically and mentally from working at two jobs seven days a week. He was on medication for exhaustion.

"I was at the lowest ebb of my life, and I needed help. But again, it was inexcusable."

He said he went to counselling once a week for a year after the assault, and made a confidentiality deal with Ms Dunne-Powell that included paying her for loss of income and distress.

"The reason I have not spoken until now is that Kristin and I made an agreement about confidentiality because we did not want this to play out in public."

- With NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News