TVNZ apologises to Kiwi-Indian Gov Gen for Henry’s racial slurs against him

WELLINGTON - Television New Zealand chairman Sir John Anderson and Chief Executive Rick Ellis have personally apologised to Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand for remarks by broadcaster Paul Henry, suggesting he did not look or sound like a New Zealander.

Henry had to resign after asking New Zealand Prime Minister John Key if Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand was “even a New Zealander” and whether the next Governor-General would look and sound like a New Zealander.

Complaints were also received and later New Zealand apologized to India for another Breakfast episode where Henry used racial slurs against Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

TVNZ confirmed today that the apology was delivered to Sir Anand at Government House in Auckland and that the Governor General had “very graciously accepted”.

In a statement, Sir John and Ellis said they would be making no further comment, Stuff.co.nz reports.

Sir Anand said he and Susan Lady Satyanand had met the chairman and chief executive and accepted their written apology for comments made on the Breakfast programme.

He now considered the matter closed and would not be commenting further, Sir Anand said. (ANI)