The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has declined to uphold two complaints about Radio Live talkback host Sean Plunket's description of author Eleanor Catton as an "ungrateful hua".
Eleanor Catton Photo: ROBERT CATTO
Mr Plunket criticised Ms Catton for comments she made earlier this year at a literary festival in India, which were critical of the New Zealand Government.
The authority received complaints that Mr Plunket's comments constituted bullying and a personal attack on Ms Catton.
The word "hua" is an insult in Te Reo , meaning "boiled head".
In its decision, the authority said Ms Catton was exercising her right to freedom of expression and suffered the responses including those from the broadcaster, who was also exercising his freedom of expression.
