Television New Zealand (TVNZ) faces a pressing challenge in appointing a permanent political editor following the sudden departure of Maiki Sherman two weeks ago. With the general election just 169 days away, the public broadcaster is yet to identify an internal candidate ready to assume the high-profile role, complicating its preparations for the upcoming campaign coverage.

A TVNZ spokesperson confirmed that no official announcement regarding Sherman’s successor has been made. The broadcaster is, however, bolstering its parliamentary team—comprising Benedict Collins, Sophie Trigger, and Tom Day—with the addition of a senior producer to support election coverage. The aim is to ensure robust reporting despite the vacancy.

Externally, several seasoned political journalists are potential candidates. Jenna Lynch, senior political correspondent at Stuff and formerly TV3/Newshub’s political editor, has broadcast experience and parliamentary insight. Her appointment, however, could be hindered by a likely three-month restraint of trade period. Other possible external contenders include RNZ political editor Jo Moir, whose current election commitments might restrict availability, and Katie Bradford, recently joined to the NZ Herald from TVNZ.

Compounding the search for a new political editor is TVNZ’s ongoing recruitment for an executive editor of news, a senior newsroom leadership position reporting to chief news and content officer Nadia Tolich. The future executive editor is expected to play a significant role in determining the political editor appointment, given the critical need for authoritative newsroom leadership amid growing political scrutiny of public broadcasters.

In the interim, TVNZ may need to assign one of several internal journalists with political backgrounds to the role temporarily. Potential interim options include Tova O’Brien, Mei Heron, Jack Tame, and Jason Walls. However, considerations around existing commitments complicate these choices. O’Brien and Heron are engaged in new hosting duties for TVNZ’s morning shows, making their redeployment challenging. Walls, although politically experienced through previous work at Newstalk ZB, is still relatively new to on-camera roles at TVNZ.

Jack Tame, host of the current affairs program Q+A, is viewed by insiders as the most suitable short-term candidate. Tame combines strong interviewing skills, political acumen, and respected neutrality, which could provide stability during the critical pre-election period. Should he assume the political editor duties, Daniel Faitaua could cover Tame’s newsreading shifts, though adjustments might be needed for Tame’s radio commitments.

TVNZ’s cautious approach underscores its reluctance to rush a permanent appointment, reflecting concerns about making a "bad hire" amid intense political scrutiny and a high-stakes election cycle. The broadcaster emphasizes it will deploy the full resources of its newsroom to ensure comprehensive political coverage leading up to the election. As recruitment for key leadership positions continues, the broadcaster’s interim strategy aims to balance staffing constraints with the need for rigorous political journalism in a fast-approaching electoral context.