Veitch offers no excuses 

Sports presenter Tony Veitch has broken his silence over claims that he assaulted his former partner two years ago and paid her $100,000 hush money.

At a media conference in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon Veitch broke his two day silence on the story, saying lashed out and makes no excuse for what he did.

"I deeply regret what happened and have done so since it occurred. " he says.

Veitch says the incident occurred when his partner Kristin Dunne-Powell, who he had recently broken up with, came over for dinner. They argued for some time and he says his frustration took over, he broke, and lashed out in anger.

"I have lived with that night on my conscience ever since and I will always do so."

Veitch refused to answer any questions about what exactly he did to his former partner.

He says some of the allegations from the media have been untrue but says there are no excuses.

"At the time, my relationship with Kristin had just ended, I was working seven days a week in two stressful jobs, I was emotionally and physically exhausted," he says. "I was taking medication for the exhaustion, and I was at the lowest ebb of my life and I needed help."

He has had counselling since the incident.

"The reason I have not spoken till now, is that Kristin and I made an agreement about confidentially, because we did not want this to play out in the public," he says.

Veitch says that agreement included payment to Kristin for loss of income and distress he caused her.

"I had no wish to breach that confidentiality, but because of the growing controversy, and the positions I hold and the standards of that those positions demand, I feel it is important to offer some words of explanation," he says.

Veitch says he told his now wife, Zoe, who stood by his side during the press conference, about the incident shortly after they got together and said he is grateful for the support she has shown.

The sports presenter is currently on leave from both his role at TVNZ and at Radio Sport.

"I apologise to TVNZ and The radio Network for the embarrassment this has caused them and I sincerely apologise to the New Zealand public."

Television New Zealand has a review process underway regarding Veitch's disclosures.

TVNZ Chief Executive Rick Ellis said the review began on Monday but there were significant and complex matters around the issue that restricted what could be said publicly.

"We are giving the situation our most serious consideration, and Tony's personal statement today will be taken into account by the review process," he said.

"Violence is a major issue in New Zealand and the profile of our on air presenters is important to the public and to our organisation."

Ellis said TVNZ has had a number of conversations with Veitch and his legal representatives since Monday.

The review process is being run by the Head of Television, the Head of Human Resources and the Head of News and Current Affairs.

Veitch ended the press conference without taking questions from media and he made no mention of his future plans or whether he still has a future in broadcasting.

ONE News reporter Lisa Owen says she has had no word yet from head of TVNZ News Anthony Flannery or from Radio Sport head Bill Francis on the future of Veitch's employment.