Documentary New Zealand: "Hell for Leather". Programme examined the fortunes of a footwear company managed by a prominent Maori businesswoman, as it struggled to avoid closure. Staff and management were seen to be severely stressed by the prospect of the business collapsing. Complaint about the language used. Not upheld (good taste and decency).
Larry Williams Programme. Item focused on the resignation from the Alliance Party of Mr Frank Grover MP and included interviews with Mr Jim Anderton, the leader of the Alliance Party, and with Mr Grover. Complaint that by including Mr Anderton in the interview, the host had breached an agreement. Not upheld (fairness, balance). Subsumed (accuracy, responsible programming).
The Lakes. Episode beginning at 9.05pm contained a scene depicting a violent gang rape. Not upheld (good taste and decency, violence).
Good Morning. Programme's nutritionist interviewed a representative from the International Soy Advisory Board and demonstrated the use of soy products in cooking. Complaint that programme did not warn viewers of the known health risks of using soy products, nor did it reveal that the guest was either a consultant to or an employee of a company which markets the products. Upheld (balance, accuracy). Order (broadcast of statement).
Fair Go. Item discussed situation faced by the owners of some pensioner flats in Kaiapoi in relation to the local Council buying back the flats at the original price. A follow-up item on Fair Go reported that a large number of people had written to the Council objecting to its practice. Not upheld (balance). Not relevant (good taste and decency, privacy).
Tonight interview. Kim Hill was interviwed as spokesperson for Radio New Zealand staff and discussion focused on a paper prepared by a member of the RNZ Board which proposed that its News and Current Affairs services could be contracted out. Declined to determine (balance, accuracy): not a matter of broadcasting standards.
Morning Report. Item dealt with genetically modified plants and in some parts the commentary and opinions were accompanied by music. Complaint about the "mood music". Not upheld (editorial discretion).
Backch@t. Programme featured a controversial exhibition of works by American artist Keith Haring, then showing at Wellington City Gallery. Not upheld: majority, midday broadcast (good taste and decency, children's interests). Not upheld, 10.40pm broadcast (good taste and decency, children's interests).
Midday. News item reported on increasing lawlessness and the use of vigilante justice amongst black communities in South Africa. It focused on a group of vigilantes avenging the alleged pack rape of a young woman, and included footage of the accused men being beaten by the woman and some vigilantes. Not upheld (violence, children's interests).
Holmes. Item featured the Alpha Club which, it reported, represented itself as a travel club; the item suggested the club was involved in pyramid selling activities. Not upheld (balance, accuracy).