Radio host FIRED for breaking lockdown laws is forced to open up about his 'embarrassment and frustration' after his sudden mysterious disappearance from the airways sparked outrage among listeners
- NZ radio host Dave Dunlay spoke about being fired for breaking lockdown rules
- The popular breakfast show host said he delivered medicine and food to family
- New Zealand just wound down harsh Level 4 restrictions that prevented travel
A popular radio host has opened up about why he was abruptly fired from his breakfast show after a trip to deliver medicine and food to his wife and daughter.
Dave Dunlay, who hosted the morning drive slot for the last two-and-half years on The Breeze radio network in Canterbury, New Zealand, took to Facebook on Friday to tell his version of events.
Before this, the only explanation given to listeners was a brief statement from the station owner MediaWorks, on Tuesday at 7am saying; 'Dave is no longer with The Breeze'.
'It's a strange feeling when you wake up one morning and don't have a job to go to,' Mr Dunlay wrote.
Dave Dunlay who hosted the morning drive slot for the last two-and-half years on The Breeze radio network in Canterbury, New Zealand (pictured with co-host and 80s pop star Rick Astley) took to Facebook on Friday to tell his version of events
Squeaky the dog who was at the centre of Mr Dunlay's trip to visit his wife and daughter
Mr Dunlay posted to Facebook on Friday about his departure from the radio network
'I'm not alone, as a lot of people are experiencing this right now. You feel embarrassed and frustrated, there's feelings of shock, no control over circumstances and a perceived loss of respect as we see ourselves through the work we do.'
Mr Dunlay explained that for his own mental health he has decided to open up about the circumstances of his departure from the station.
He said he was told a trip to deliver food and medicine to his wife, daughter, and pet dog 'squeaky' in the midst of strict coronavirus lockdown had risked 'damage to MediaWorks' reputation' and his contract was torn up.
'The Wednesday before Easter, I drove to our lifestyle property at French Farm where my wife and daughter were spending lockdown. My daughter has just returned from overseas and initially spent time alone in order to self-isolate,' he said.
He explained that his wife had gone to join her and take food after the 14-day isolation but forgot to take medicine for the 14-year-old family dog 'Squeaky'.
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After speaking to a vet, who he said told him delivering the medicine was essential travel, he drove to the farm to drop off the prescription along with food supplies.
'My two colleagues knew where I was going and what I'd done and expressed their concerns to our manager, who told senior management. They went through a process and decided my reasons for making the choices I did weren't good enough to retain my job,' he said.
People commenting on the post appeared to be outraged saying the reaction seemed very heavy-handed.
Commenters semmed outraged at the departure of Mr Dunlay from the station
Others questioned he had indeed broken the lockdown rules
'Wow!! I hope you fight this Dave. This is absolute rubbish and totaly over the top,' on person wrote.
'I'm sorry to hear that Dave! That seems extremely unjustified to me! Good on you for speaking out on this,' another person added.
The New Zealand government brought in heavy Level 4 restrictions in April which included orders that gatherings are not allowed and only essential businesses are to open.
Another of the main restrictions being that people should stay at home 'in their bubble' and only travel for essential reasons.
Mr Dunlay said now that the anger and frustration has subsided he is quite enjoying being off-air and working on some of his own projects.
'I am really loving being off air - I have lots of projects on the go, along with working with my team at Tandem Studios. BTW - Squeaky is all good - she is 14 and needs constant medication!'
'I will remember my time spent with the Breeze Canterbury audience fondly, and the great people I have worked with in radio. Stay safe and be kind.'
He has worked on the breakfast radio show for The Breeze for two-and-a-half years
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