Joe Los'e, the kaupapa Māori editor of the New Zealand Herald, has resigned following a report by The Spinoff that he was simultaneously acting in a public relations capacity for the Pacific Business Trust. The Spinoff's article, published last week, raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Los'e, who regularly wrote for the Herald's Kahu section, had not disclosed his work for the Pacific Business Trust to his editors, according to the report. The Herald's management confirmed they were investigating the matter and accepted Los'e's resignation.
In a statement, NZ Herald editor Murray Kirkness said: "We expect all our journalists to adhere to the highest ethical standards, including full disclosure of any external work. Joe's resignation is a consequence of his failure to do so."
The Pacific Business Trust is a government-funded organization that supports Pacific Island businesses in New Zealand. Los'e had been providing PR services to the trust, which included media relations and strategic communications, according to The Spinoff.
