Linda Clark is taking temporary leave from TVNZ’s board while she acts for former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Clark, a lawyer with the firm Dentons, has sought an injunction preventing media organisations from publishing information about a criminal inquiry into McSkimming.
He resigned from his police role last week after media reports stated that pornography had been found on his work computer.
McSkimming remains subject to a criminal investigation and an Independent Police Conduct Authority inquiry stemming from a complaint from a member of the public.
On Friday Clark went to the High Court seeking an injunction blocking new details being published about the McSkimming matter.
While TVNZ was not one of the media agencies that was a party to the case the court’s ruling applies to all media.
A TVNZ spokeswoman said today the broadcaster may become an interested party: “Our newsroom will make an editorial determination on whether to join the legal action in due course.”
TVNZ board chairman Alastair Carruthers confirmed that Clark was taking “temporary leave” as a director while the matter unfolded.
Clark was entitled to represent clients in her capacity as a lawyer.
“The board has complete confidence in Linda’s professional judgement and capabilities,” Carruthers said.
“As with any directorship, conflicts or perceived conflicts need to be managed when they arise and Linda has been scrupulous in her disclosures while maintaining client confidentiality.
“In this instance there is no current conflict but the potential for a conflict exists.”
Carruthers said TVNZ’s directors were focused on the governance of the business and were not involved in newsroom decision making.
“TVNZ’s editorial independence is protected,” he said.
Clark was TVNZ political editor in the 1990s. She joined the board in July 2023.
