A lawyer for food giant Talley’s has accused a 1News reporter of a “hit piece” in the High Court in Auckland today.
Talley’s is suing reporter Thomas Mead and TVNZ over a series of stories on health and safety concerns.
TVNZ said its reports are fair and accurate, and are in the public interest. Talley’s, meanwhile, have said the stories are untrue and have damaged its reputation.
In the High Court today, Mead outlined his investigation in the witness box.
Mead said he protected the identities of some sources he’d spoken to because they feared retaliation from Talley’s.
“Because of these deep-seated concerns, I have been very careful to protect my sources throughout this litigation. I made them a promise, and I have kept it,” he said.
“In 13 years in this job, I have never seen anything like the fear that I saw while reporting on Talley’s.”
TVNZ reporter defends ‘hit-job’ Talley’s stories uncovering safety concerns – Watch on TVNZ+
In a series of questions, Talley’s attacked Mead’s journalism.
Talley’s lawyer Brian Dickey KC asked: “I’m asking you what evidence do you have of any retaliation by Talley’s against anyone who ever spoke out against them?
“So you will produce no evidence of retaliation by Talley’s against anyone who ever spoke out against them apart from your hit piece?”
Mead replied: “I don’t accept it’s a hit piece. I want to say that at the outset. I just want to reflect what I was told throughout.”
Dickey put it to Mead that an investigation by consultant Mike Bush – the former Police Commissioner – found a positive culture at Talley’s.
“His experience is different to yours, isn’t it?” Dickey asked.
“Yes,” Mead replied.
“Like he has it, you don’t?” Dickey fired back.
“I don’t accept that, I’m an experienced journalist,” Mead responded.
The cross examination is expected to continue tomorrow.
