Media
We just had a family outing to see the new Paddington movie. There were no children in the group and we all enjoyed it.
Our community newsletter: Kōrero
Fourteen free community newspapers being shut down
Government bars journalist from abuse apology at Parliament
This is a disgraceful attempt by the Government to prevent an experienced journalist, Aaron Smale, who has led much of the reporting on the Abuse in State Care scandal, from attending a press conference on Tuesday when the Government will issue a formal apology in Parliament to the survivors. The excuse given was that his questioning of the Prime Minister at a previous press conference about this was too “persistent and forceful…with suggestions it was rude and police at the event had been watching the reporter.”
The Government needs to answer firm questioning on this. If the PM feels uncomfortable, and I acknowledge this all happened years before he came on the political scene and it will be uncomfortable for him, that’s too bad. He represents the state and needs to account for its actions.
Endorsing parties in a general election
Dai Henwood's TV show on his cancer well worth a look
CW: Cancer, death
I agree with this review of Dai Henwood’s TV programme on coping with his stage 4 cancer.
Pauline Hanna wasn’t the one on trial, here’s the happier life I wish she’d had
I’m sure a lot of people think like this after hearing Pauline Hanna’s life dissected the way it was during her husband’s trial. I am sure there are a lot of people who have immense sympathy for Pauline Hanna. Not only because she died, but because of the life she endured beforehand.
Who's responsible for solving the USA's toxic political culture and racism?
I’ve thought long and hard about posting this, and it will probably get me into trouble or come across as a ‘stop picking on us’ winge. Despite my reservations, here goes!
This is a question I often ask myself when I find myself in the uber-liberal technology corners of the internet and social media. I spend my time on the Fediverse, so I don’t get this from Facebook and Twitter/X (only because I rarely go there), but I assume it’s similar there.
Kids on OE in the UK doing well
Our son and daughter-in-law are now back in England after their month-long bus tour through the Continent and are settling into their new flat. The DIL has even got a job on CNN’s 5 Things podcast.
She’s been very lucky to land on her feet so quickly. We always thought she would as she’s very talented and hard-working, and has been strategic in her work here in NZ, to work in a variety of roles and programmes to get a range of experience in public radio and news.
If anyone knows of a job for a talented videographer and news camera operator in the London region, our son would love to hear from them! Angus Dreaver’s show reel
White English rock band hints at reformation; critics in a lather
What you need to know
Am I the only person who is irritated by the statement “What you need to know” in online stories?
Where has this phrase come from? Has it been audience tested, or have people just copied other publications?
I find it patronising and I don’t know how a copy writer in a website can know what I already know about something and what I might want to know about it.
My normal reaction is “I’ll decide what I want or need to know about something, not you.” Harrumph.