Jason Ake (file photo). Photo: Supplied
RNZ board member Jason Ake has resigned following criticism of his public commentary on former justice minister Kiri Allan.
Ake - who joined the board this month - had published multiple Facebook posts giving his personal political viewpoint.
In a statement, RNZ chair Jim Mather - who is overseas - confirmed he had received Ake's resignation from the RNZ Board on Tuesday night.
"Jason and I had an honest and respectful conversation. I am disappointed that Jason has decided to not commit to his RNZ board appointment as I consider it to be a missed opportunity," Dr Mather said.
"As a fellow advocate of te reo and tikanga Māori, as well as the Māori media and production sector, I know that Jason could have contributed significantly to the effective implementation of our rautaki Māori (Māori strategic plan) as part of his wider governance role at RNZ.
"I also agreed with Jason's view that you can't have it both ways. Crown entity governance has it own tikanga and protocols that need to be observed, however I respect that Jason has chosen a pathway he feels best suited to."
He wished Ake well in future.
Ake, in a new social media post, explained some of his reasoning.
"Yep you heard it right whanau I notified the chair yesterday that I was out," he wrote. "I didn't want to be a distraction because the mahi ahead for RNZ is significant. I also wanted to leave with my principles and values firmly in tact and on my terms."
He also acknowledged the support offered to him, and said the focus should be on the mental health and wellbeing of the people, "irrespective of the political landscape".
"I'll continue to advocate unapologetically for our people whether it's from the inside or outside and yes sometimes it might be a bit noisy."
Ake had initially posted on Facebook on Tuesday questioning why Allan was cleared to return to Parliament.
Allan had resigned as minister on Monday morning after being arrested and charged in relation to a car crash. She had recently returned to work after struggling with mental health issues.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins described Ake's comments as inappropriate, and Mather reminded Ake he must avoid certain political activities in his new role, saying he would discuss the matter with him directly when back from an overseas trip at the end of the week.
Later in the day Ake published a new post, saying events like Allan's resignation elevate the opportunity for Māori to have conversations about mental health.
"We need to grab those opportunities because they encourage public discourse especially among our whānau. Mental health and well-being is the silent killer and a swathe of Māori journos got it immediately."
Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson on Tuesday said Ake had always been a vocal person and this would need to stop if he was to remain an RNZ board member.
Allan has announced she will not seek re-election for the East Coast electorate.
