CLOSE UP STAFF INVESTIGATED

TVNZ staff under investigation for marijuana use tried to get photos
taken during a smoking session deleted, according to people at the
gathering.

But others who were present say the few images taken don't show
anything incriminating - and TVNZ does not have copies.

Three staff at TVNZ's flagship current affairs show Close Up have been
accused of smoking marijuana after filming a segment called "Reefer
Madness", which screened last Tuesday. A fourth TVNZ staff member was
also present.

The story showed supporters of the movement travelling to Waitangi and
featured interviews with campaigner Dakta Green, previously known as
Kenneth Morgan.

Online debate about the show among pro-legilisation campaigners
prompted complaints to TVNZ and the claim staff socialised and smoked
marijuana with the campaigners after the story.

TVNZ has refused to name the individuals involved but said a formal
employment investigation is underway.

Green also declined to identify those involved - or if they had
smoked.

He said they had not smoked it during the trip north, despite being
offered.

"We don't out people. Whether some or all of the TVNZ people had a
smoke with us is something I will not confirm or deny."

Green said on arrival at Waitangi, the three Close Up staff left for
their hotel. They returned with the fourth person to take evening footage.

Green said they joined reformers to socialise outside the campaign
vehicle after completing their work. About 25 people were present at
the time.

He said at one stage a photograph was taken and one of the TVNZ staff
asked that it be deleted. The image was not deleted, "but it didn't
show anything", said Green.

The person who took the images said they had not been provided to TVNZ
and would not be distributed.

It was a step back from a threat by the same person last week. They
told an internet forum: "Photos of journalists/cameraman, partaking of
the truly miracle plant will be published here soon!"

TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the state broadcaster had
received "serious allegations" and an investigation was under way.

Senior Sergeant Matt Rogers said it was unlikely police would
investigate.

Employment lawyer Greg Cain said TVNZ would likely strike trouble
investigating the allegation.

He said the staff concerned could have grounds to refuse to respond to
the allegations because to do so would be self-incriminating.