The resignation announcement came on Monday and was met with mixed reactions from those in New Zealand media. After 25 years in the broadcasting industry, Maxwell, who was most recently a guest at NITV as part of the World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network gathering, was appointed as CEO in 2014 under somewhat controversial circumstances, with a petition circulating before his arrival opposing the move.
After his appointment major restructuring was undertaken, in particular to the news and current affairs departments, with several high profile journalists and producers moving on shortly after. Whilst there was criticism aimed at some of the changes, there was also an acknowledgement of challenges being felt by the industry as a whole.
Widely reported to be due to disagreements with the board of Maori Television, related to logistics and locations of a proposed studio at the networks new headquarters, family circumstances also seem to have been involved in the decision. Maxwell released a statement reflecting on the challenges faced during his time as CEO. "This has been a difficult decision but changing family and business circumstances has led to the need to dedicate my time to other commitments," Maxwell said.
"I will always support the important kaupapa of Maori broadcasting and am proud of Maori Television and its people who have worked very hard for the revitalisation of the Maori language," he said.
Chairman of the board of Maori Television, Georgina te Heuheu responded to the resignation.
"On behalf of the board we thank Paora for his work and commitment to Māori Television and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours. The Board will begin the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief later in the year,” Mrs te Heuheu said.
Maxwell will remain in the position until the end of August 2017 and will then move in to a consulting role until the end of the year.
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