Veitch cut from Olympic coverage (+audio)

Ridge damns Veitch attack

TVNZ has sacked sports presenter Tony Veitch from its coverage of the Beijing Olympics after he admitted assaulting his former partner.

Police have launched an investigation into the broadcaster after The Dominion Post this week revealed he assaulted his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell in 2006, breaking her back in four places, and later paid more than $100,000 in a confidentiality agreement.

On Wednesday he admitted the attack and issued an apology.

Veitch was yesterday suspended from The Radio Network where he hosts a morning breakfast programme, as it said it was conducting its own investigation.

TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis said today Veitch, who as to be a key player in its Olympics coverage, would no longer be involved. He would also remain off air for other TVNZ programmes.

"Staff and equipment are already on their way to the games so for logistical reasons while we await the outcome of the process we are in we have made the call to pull his accreditation' Mr Ellis said.

He said TVNZ was working through a process with Veitch and his lawyers.

Matthew Ridge says Veitch's assault of a former partner is despicable and he may not want to appear on Game of Two Halves with him.

Ridge, who appears on the sports quiz show alongside Veitch, said the assault on Kristin Dunne-Powell sounded "pretty horrific" and inexcusable.

"It's despicable. I've never been one to condone violence, especially violence against women.

"In my book it's a no-no."

He would not comment on Veitch's prospects, saying that was up to TVNZ, but admitted he would have to think twice about appearing on the show if Veitch returned.

TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis said yesterday that he would answer "appropriate questions" as soon as possible. He did confirm he knew Ms Dunne-Powell, a former TVNZ marketing manager, who later worked as an executive for Vodafone when Mr Ellis' daughter was employed there.

But a TVNZ spokeswoman said there was no conflict of interest. She said Mr Ellis had been unaware of Ms Dunne-Powell's and Veitch's relationship till Monday.

Government ministers refused to comment yesterday, but the prime minister's office is understood to be appalled.

Three senior TVNZ executives are conducting a review of Veitch's situation. It is understood to cover issues including who knew what within TVNZ - a matter which raises questions around the "no surprises" convention that operates between ministers and crown-owned companies.

A detective has been assigned to look into the allegations of historical assault, including examining the statement delivered by Veitch. Police have not received a formal complaint, but some legal experts say Veitch's public admission could be grounds for them at least to issue search warrants.

Radio Sport advertisers, including Nufarm and Nature Bee, said they would review support for the network if Veitch was allowed to remain on air. 

- © Fairfax NZ News