Banning Native Affairs from the kohanga reo press conference requires journalistic solidarity

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Native Affairs locked out of kohanga reo press conference

What’s wrong with the following news story…

Kohanga reo trust will resist Govt ‘intrusion’
The troubled Te Kohanga Reo National Trust will resist Government “intrusion” in its management and has set up a working party to consult the country’s Kohanga Reo movement over major operational changes.

…there is no mention whatsoever of the fact that the media organisation that courageously broke the story about the madness at the Kohanga reo trust were locked out and banned from attending this press conference…

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…such tactics by the Kohanga reo trust can not be respected and most not be tolerated. Other journalists and media have a responsibility to make this banning the only part of the story they are willing to discuss or ask questions about. If the headline to the above news story had been ‘Native Affairs banned from press conference’, not only would that have been a bigger story, but it would send a clear signal to other organisations that these types of tactics will not be tolerated.

Native Affairs showed immense courage to criticise and investigate the Kohanga reo trust, a story no other media took seriously enough to look into themselves, and having NA locked out of the press conference altogether because of that courage is a disservice to journalism and a slap in the face to Native Affairs.

This is an opportunity for the mainstream media to protect their values and stand up for one of their own.

12 COMMENTS

  1. This is an opportunity for the mainstream media to protect their values and stand up for one of their own.

    *pfffft!*

    Not the NZ media in the 21st century. They’re too busy currying favour with this government and selling advertising space to maximise profits for shareholders.

    When MSM parrot press releases from the Social Welfare Minister, verbatim, without question, then the corruption of the Fourth Estate is complete.

    Press freedom and independence? Not likely.

    The spirit of Soviet-style Pravda and Izveztia live in Aotearoa…

    • The developments at Maori Television and over the Native affairs coverage of the Te Kohanga reo story have been covered extensively in the NZ Herald. Seems to me it is the Left that has turned a blind eye to what is happening due to divided loyalties

      • John, passing mention of the ban in the second or third paragraph of reported comments by the Trust does not constitute “extensive coverage.”
        I recall a few years back, when ‘The Herald,’ sensing an attack on the media by a Labour Government, ran front-page images of journos bound and gagged.
        Where is that concern now, when it is Maori media being gagged?

        • Th impact of the Te kohanga reo story and the Establishment push to rein in Native affairs has been covered in the media column and Herald online. You need to read more widely.

  2. Everyone should support these journalists, who have produced the finest piece of NZ journalism I have seen in a long time.

    I suspect it won’t happen, since real work like this shames the hacks on the other networks.

  3. […] Native Affairs showed immense courage to criticise and investigate the Kohanga reo trust, a story no other media took seriously enough to look into themselves, and having NA locked out of the press conference altogether because of that courage is a disservice to journalism and a slap in the face to Native Affairs. – See more at: https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/04/14/banning-native-affairs-from-the-kohanga-reo-press-conference-re…/#!prettyPhoto […]

  4. “Native Affairs” tonight (14 April) was outstanding. I haven’t seen investigative journalism like this since… *racks memory* an awful long time.

    The Guest Appearance by Paddy Gower and Marama Davidson was just icing on the cake.

    How good is “Native Affairs” Someone in my household who has zero interest in political matters (and who ‘humours’ my passion), was glued to the TV and *shusshing* everyone to be quiet.

    How good is “Native Affairs”? When they’re banned by one of their investigated “targets” – they’re good!

    How good is “Native Affairs”? When we find ourselves being gobsmacked that a TV current affairs programme is simply doing it’s job – that’s an amazing state of affairs we’re arrived at.

    This is was investigative journalism in the electronic media should be; smart; sassy; bold; and going for substance over shiny studio sets.

    PS: Kudos to TV3/Patrick Gower for co-operating on that John Key/Maori Party fund-raiser story. I think I’m going to have to revise my thoughts on Mr Gower…

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