Niwa sacks climate scientist

Relevant offers

News

Beer bottle bed sells for $3,000 Rugby joy short-lived, nation pessimistic Rachel Hunter releases kiwi chick 'Trail blazer' Carmen farewelled in Auckland Police name Hawke's Bay head-on crash victim Teens mimic depression to get prescription drugs Manawatu Gorge progress pleases Lloyd Morrison: Leader of the pack Woman, 91, rues not hitting thief with stick Old trains more reliable than new Matangi

Climate scientist Jim Salinger has been fired for "serious misconduct" by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research - apparently for talking to news media.

The Crown agency's long-serving principal scientist was dismissed earlier this week, reportedly for trying to help TVNZ's weatherman Jim Hickey with some "climate-related inquiries" and for doing an interview with Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint programme without permission.

Dr Salinger said last night he intended to take legal action for what he called unjustified dismissal. "I am not being dismissed for my science - that can't be faulted - I've been essentially sacked for not following protocol."

He said he received a letter in March from management summoning him to a disciplinary meeting for an interview he did with TVNZ in February commenting on Auckland's hottest day. The interview had not been approved and was labelled "serious misconduct".

He was also reprimanded for talking to TVNZ about glaciers for which he thought he had permission.

"After dismissing me on Thursday, management then had the gall to ask if I would like an afternoon tea to say goodbye to my colleagues."

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said Niwa's actions would make all government scientists "nervous about their jobs". She called on the Minister for Crown Research Institutes, Dr Wayne Mapp, to investigate how Dr Salinger had been sacked for what appeared to be "trivial and petty reasons".

However, Dr Mapp said he would not intervene. "The matter is an employment dispute, which must be handled by the chief executive and the board," he said.

Niwa management confirmed Dr Salinger no longer worked for the organisation but refused to comment on an employment matter.

- © Fairfax NZ News