GORDON LIGHTFOOT | National
ATONEMENT
TVNZ political editor and on-camera shouter Maiki Sherman has reportedly been instructed to wear not one, but three rainbow lanyards around the office this week, following what some insiders are calling a “values misalignment incident” at a parliamentary drinks event last year.
Other insiders have called it “Maiki getting visibly drunk and yelling ‘faggot’ at a gay journalist”.
The corrective measure came after what sources called a “robust but ultimately affirming” internal process. Senior figures concluded that a visible commitment to inclusion would address the situation, and if anyone disagreed with them then they’d be hearing from their lawyers.
Sherman was seen entering the newsroom today with the three lanyards layered neatly over one another, creating what one colleague described as “a strong visual statement, that was also quite difficult to look at.”
“This is what I believe,” Sherman reportedly told colleagues loudly, denying that her multiple lanyards were a punishment. “I’ve always been an ally, this is just me leaning into that more visibly. Three feels like the right number.”
She said the added weight around her neck had been “a useful physical reminder” to stay aligned with organisational values.
A senior public sector advisor said the decision struck the right balance between accountability and maintaining morale.
“You don’t want to overcorrect,” he explained. “But equally, one lanyard in this context could be seen as performative. Three signals sincerity without escalating things into a fourth, which we all agreed would’ve been excessive.”
Sherman is now allegedly considering whether a fourth lanyard might actually be appropriate on Fridays.
More to come.
