The Radio New Zealand (RNZ) journalist who was stood down for allegedly editing wire stories to include pro-Russian sentiment has resigned.
In a statement to Newshub, an RNZ spokesperson said the company initiated an employment process with the employee. That person resigned and left the organisation.
In tweet by RNZ's Checkpoint, it said staff were informed of the resignation in a statement from chief executive and editor Paul Thompson on Wednesday afternoon.
The state broadcaster launched a review after it emerged two weeks ago that text of a Reuters story about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, published on RNZ, had been altered to include a pro-Russian sentiment.
Other stories of concern have arisen too, including edits that appear to be sympathetic towards Palestine and the militant group Hamas, and China's abuses in Xinjiang and its treatment of Uighurs. Evidence has also emerged of edits to transgender and gender identity stories.
Chair of Radio New Zealand Board of Governors Jim Mather announced the review panel. It is made up of three people and includes media law expert Will Ekel, who will chair the panel, public law expert and former journalist Linda Clark, and former director of editorial standards at ABC Alan Sunderland.
"We have tasked them to conduct a robust and comprehensive review of RNZ's editorial process. This is in the interest of achieving and protecting the highest standards of journalism of RNZ," said Mather.
Last week Mather told Morning Report "no stone is going to be left unturned"
