Fear and loathing in the Fascist State of New Zealand – Part Trois

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Continued from Fear and loathing in the Fascist State of New Zealand – Part Deux

The decision from the Electoral Commission  was inevitable really,

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Why was the decision from the Commission inevitable? Two reasons spring to mind,

1. Common sense. Often a quality missing from politicians and their  fellow-travellers and groupies. Common sense tells us that broadcasting a documentary dealing with a critical social problem such as child poverty, during an election,  is as appropriate as broadcasting rugby during the recent RWC tournament. Crushing critical tv documentaries may be the  norm in places such as Putin’s Russia – but in New Zealand?!
2. The Electoral Commission – unlike NZ on Air – is an independent body. It has no National Party apparatchiks on it’s Board, pulling strings. The Electoral Commission is made up of Chairperson,Hon Justice Sir Hugh Williams QC, Auckland. KCNZM, LLM (Hons), LLB; Deputy Chair Jane Huria, LLB, FIODNZ, FNZIOD; and Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden, Wellington. BA/LLB (Hons). Not a Party official or hack anywhere to be seen.

By contrast, NZ On Air’s Board is heavily stacked with National-friendly businesspeople, and Stephen McElrea, who is a prominent figure in the National Party.  He is not just the  regional deputy chairman of the National Party – but is also John Key’s electorate chairperson in the National Party Helensville Electorate branch.

Bryan Bruce is correct: TV3 deserves an immediate apology from “NZ on Air“.

Furthermore, as I posted previously, Stephen McElrea must resign immediatly from the Board of “NZ on Air“. His position on “NZ on Air” is no longer tenable and his continuing presence taints that organisation with political partisanship and interference.

McElrea has no alternative.

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UPDATES

25 January

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An interesting response from NZ On Air, to a simple question posed on their Facebook page,

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Related Blog posts

Fear and loathing in the Fascist State of New Zealand

Fear and loathing in the Fascist State of New Zealand – Part Deux

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