Summarised by Centrist
This dispute concerns assertions made by union figure Matt McCarten, repeated by broadcaster Duncan Garner, about 19 personal grievances said to have been filed against the Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA) on behalf of workers alleging bullying.
Those claims were amplified in commentary and social media posts by media figures and activists arguing that the allegations were being treated as established fact despite no confirmation from official agencies.
Waatea News general manager, Matthew Tukaki claimed: “We have received no notification from MBIE that any PGs have been lodged against the Manukau Urban Māori Authority,” quoting MUMA deputy chief executive Mike Tukaki.
“Matt McCarten lied to Duncan Garner and Garner then published the lie – then went on to verbally tell the lie repeatedly on his podcast,” Tukaki wrote.
The dispute remains unresolved.
Editor’s note: Waatea News is owned by the Manukau Urban Māori Authority and broadcasts from MUMA’s premises. The opinion piece was written by its general manager, Mike Tukaki. Mike is Matthew Tukaki’s brother.
The CEO of MUMA is Tania Rangiheuea, the wife of Willie Jackson. McCarten alleges Jackson inappropriately intervened on behalf of his wife, an allegation Jackson has denied and which has not been upheld by any formal process.
These relationships themselves are not proof of wrongdoing, but prompt questions about how closely affiliated media outlets handle disputes involving their parent organisations.
At the core of the dispute is an unresolved factual question: whether the grievances exist and, if so, through which channels they have been lodged.
Read more on X and Waatea News
Image: Waatea News
