Cracker by Damian Christie

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Cracker: Of Racks and Ratings

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  • stephen clover,

    Does anyone actually know if kiwi, weka, or whatever are good tucker?

    AKA where's Barry Crump when you need him...

    wgtn • Since Sep 2007 • 355 posts Report Reply

  • Cecelia,

    It was the WAY the programme was presented rather than whether we should eat wekas or not (Chatham Islands?) - it was so terrible that I'm not even going to try for a more analytical and rational argument. It's almost as if they wanted another Transpower eccentric or serial dog killer fanatic to up their ratings.

    Hibiscus Coast • Since Apr 2008 • 559 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Ratings sniffing abounds. Maybe it's CloseUp they're about to dump and this whole story has been a canny distraction campaign?

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • stephen clover,

    John Campbell [...] has proven he is the best interviewer [in?] the country.

    I guess being the first (and to the best of my knowledge only) media figure to get on Helen Clarke's shitlist has got to count for something. Seriously.

    Auckland University POL328 'Political Content of Television' circa 2002:

    An essay (1500-1800 words) based largely on secondary sources, is due at 5 pm on Friday, August 23. Respond to one of the following questions:

    1. John Campbell justified the ambush tactics of his Corngate interview with Helen Clark on TV3 on July 10, 2002, on the grounds that “the public’s right to see unvarnished, unspun, unchoreographed responses outweighs [other ethical considerations].” Helen Clark regarded the interview as a clear case of “unethical journalism.” Which point-of-view do you favour and why?

    wgtn • Since Sep 2007 • 355 posts Report Reply

  • Michael Savidge,

    It's almost as if they wanted another Transpower eccentric or serial dog killer fanatic to up their ratings.

    C'mon, really? Do you honestly believe that mere ratings trump the journalistic integrity of our must trusted media personalities? For shame...

    Anyway, am I the only one who would quite fancy seeing Damian, Pip, Russell, and JC (popping over from te other thread ) have a wee chat about the state of current affairs at 7 in our fair land? Someone could invite the Sainster too.

    It would be topical and controversial and the comments from the stalls will be priceless.

    Please....

    Somewhere near Wellington… • Since Nov 2006 • 324 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    stephen clover - I've never eaten kiwi. nor do I ever propose to: Mr Explorer Douglas likened their taste & texture to 'an old boot boiled in a coffin.' (Since annelids form a lot of their dietary, one can understand that.)

    I *have* eaten weka - both legally harvested (Rekohu) and otherwise: they are delicious, paticularly if killed in early autumn - fat, rich but not too gamey flesh - an excellent eat.

    I dont think it is a tribal secret that Kai Tahu want the buff weka re-established in the south to the extent we can harvest it (as we do the sooty shearwater.) I dont eat mammal meat - but I relish certain kinds of bird flesh-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • stephen clover,

    Re. the culinary qualities of weka, I have heard much the same.. and I rather fancy some! And since they're not endangered (are they? how did they end up in that Close Up story?) I can't think of a good reason not to.

    wgtn • Since Sep 2007 • 355 posts Report Reply

  • Cecelia,

    Hibiscus Coast • Since Apr 2008 • 559 posts Report Reply

  • stephen clover,

    What would this guy say?

    Dunno.. but apparently he's into Them Crooked Vultures. Who knew...

    wgtn • Since Sep 2007 • 355 posts Report Reply

  • Pip,

    One more thing.. Further to Damian's concerns about "racks and ratings". It wasn't about the racks.. or the American cars.. we took ownership of the Hummer story all week.
    In fact the Herald enjoyed quoting us that night as well as the farmer, John Banks and Patrick Strange when they couldn't track any of them down themselves..
    As for the racks.. well some might be critical but 30,000 people have been back for a second look on our website.. go figure if it isn't what people want to watch....
    http://www.3news.co.nz/Auckland-woman-launches-topless-revolution

    Since Jan 2010 • 2 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    Ur, stephen c - they are bloody endangered in a lot of places (Big O used to - up until 1912 - have a thriving population, but they got eaten out then(there was a kind of local mini-famine)...buff weka were reintroduced into Te Wahi Poenemu from the Chathams because they had become extinct here - and they used to, up until the 1920s be a really important part of Kai Tahu dietary.)

    There is that farmer bloke on Banks Peninsula who has been successfully breeding weka (with DoC permits.)

    This, amusingly, goes back to Tipene O'Regan's suggestion(in the 1990s) that we farm kakapo - because then they wouldnt be endangered. However, the olds didnt eat kakapo by choice - they just liked their feathers - and their smell - as one who has smelt one in the wild, they really do smell like honey - with a subtle earthy overtone.

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Cecelia,

    they just liked their feathers - and their smell - as one who has smelt one in the wild, they really do smell like honey - with a subtle earthy overtone.

    That's beautiful. And they're fluffy and cute too.

    Hibiscus Coast • Since Apr 2008 • 559 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    Cecelia - you've met Sirroco too?
    Dude guy eh?

    The kakapo I met in the wild was in Western Southland, prior to transfer - I've got...a souvenir, and much more info would probably get me & the relevant team, legally hung.

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    I'm possibly the last southern person living who has had the opportunities to enjoy ageold scents - from haka/taramea gum to ephemeral water-ferns. From mosses almost alchemically processed to the raw lovely feathers of birds. I happened to meet people who were very old, and loved listening to their stories, and believed what they said.

    I only learned about half the flavourings and - possibly because this was what I knew most about, and was most earnest about - beggar all about fungi-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca,

    The kakapo I met in the wild was in Western Southland,

    In an op shop one day, found a beautiful 1940's Kauri tray with an etching of a KakaPo. At $1.00 it was a must. Couple of years later a friend visiting from the Far North noticed it and told a tale of his recent discovery on his land of the KakaPo. He was very surprised and keeps in touch with DOC regards this. The tray promptly went to him.

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    I'm possibly the last southern person living who has had the opportunities to enjoy ageold scents - from haka/taramea gum to ephemeral water-ferns. From mosses almost alchemically processed to the raw lovely feathers of birds. I happened to meet people who were very old, and loved listening to their stories, and believed what they said.

    I only learned about half the flavourings and - possibly because this was what I knew most about, and was most earnest about - beggar all about fungi-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    Lovely the tray went to him - kakapo are so so SO rare. Less than 200 birds-

    but. Then there is Old Blue. Lived nearly thrice the life span of a Chathams Black robin, and kept that race alive.

    I've been working on poems for nearly 2 decades saying basically, These are bird islands. They have deeps I am afraid we've lost. Every so often - a joychance - a smack between the ears- you hear tui singing

    kokako?

    Yes.

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca,

    These are bird islands.

    Aye! Rejuvenation in the bush is our prerequisite for living in the citee.That is also one of the reasons I believe we must keep our big inner suburb trees here in Auckland and already with change in environment laws, we are seeing blatant disregard. At least the street Tui has returned louder than ever after our year long debacle of ignorant neighbours amongst us.

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Just caught tonight's Campbell Live. A smart and warmly human tribute to Pauly Fuemana. Obviously took a lot of work, dedication and ability to win trust. Good stuff.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca,

    Just caught tonight's Campbell Live.

    Yeah ,it was real. Actually I always like J.C. and his ability to cross many cultures, age groups, and with a sense of ironic humour.He seems warm and real. Kinda like one of us eh Sacha?

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Andre,

    JC is always happy to talk to anyone in the street... he's fairly chilled out off-screen. He used to frequent the same takeaways as me.
    Why the beat-up? We need his show to continue existing. It actually does more for us than The Simpsons. If you're interested in getting Sky you can get The Simpsons anyway - and we can't actually purchase another half hour attempt at real NZ journalism in prime time otherwise.
    Two years ago - even 12 months ago - 3News was winning hands-down and TVNZ was in a slump mainly because Carole Hirschfield and John Campbell came up trumps for TV3. They've lost one of the dynamic duo (Hirschfield to Maori TV). Think of Newsboy and Havoc. Where's Paul Casserly when you need him etc. Jeremy and Paul forged ahead in Mikey's absence. Who is looking after Mr Campbell?
    Has Close Up suffered since Janet Wilson left? Yes it has. The quality of both shows has dropped because of the loss of some bright sparks. But new people with new great ideas might arrive and currently the situation is a pressure cooker for anyone wanting the job(s).
    Most importantly we need to keep both shows rather than having one replaced by an (albeit fantastic) US cartoon.

    New Zealand • Since May 2009 • 371 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca,

    Why the beat-up?

    I didn't think there was one to be honest (ok maybe a few don't like it) but Pip seems to have taken offence. The art of the discussion on this here PA, always winds around until someone feels strangled (in a good critical way) but hey. I reckon generally we like Campbell live. I do think Carol is a bit missed so surely it takes a bit of time to reset your buttons, adjust the Tie as such. In my book J.C. is the bomb!Humble, and By Pip's standard "the best" so praise all around.
    I mentioned t'other day to a friend that if one compares Campbell Live to any other TV investment,it's quality 1/2 hour that I would prefer to be 1 hour and cut the news back. Take out sport that could have good stories behind them and whack it in through Campbell Live. Then it could be win win for the news as well. The News always feels like it should be over within 1/2 an hour, get rid of the fluff.

    .He used to frequent the same takeaways as me.

    Heh, when we first moved to Sandrinhamstan, J.C. wrote a comment and it had pride of place on the wall because he had told them he thought they had good fish and chips. My friends from Guildford know him and think he is the bomb also.Gren and Rita often sing his praises, that being from an older couple, wise beyond their years. I like that.:)

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • andin,

    but 30,000 people have been back for a second look on our website.. go figure if it isn't what people want to watch....

    Hmm wonder what section of the population that 30,000 came from. Just wondering out loud only got one leg of ma judgeypants on.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/Auckland-woman-launches-topless-revolution

    mmm Link to a page removed, not a good look for a 3 staffer.

    raglan • Since Mar 2007 • 1891 posts Report Reply

  • Damian Christie,

    I had said I'd draw a line under this, but as I was away yesterday when Pip entered the fray here, I feel I should respond:

    I'm also concerned at the credibility of a former Close-Up reporter blogging nonsense about our show and his relationship with the Herald on Sunday and its staff.

    Former. Pip Keane is a former Close Up producer. We are all former somethings. My past is hardly a secret, and shouldn't be taken as shorthand for "is biased", that's just lazy. Yes I also have a relationship with the HOS - I used to write a column there then Shayne Currie (also former editor now?) fired me. I know Matt Nippert from bFM. We do not play cards together.

    Damian could have come to me for a response but never bothered.

    Yup, that Matt Nippert's job as a journalist, to call all the people, get quotes, try and sort shit out. As a blogger with an open discussion forum, Pip you are welcome to come here and say your piece, and you have. Doesn't mean I have to believe it. Of course even if such a meeting had taken place, neither you nor Jennings nor JC nor Audsley is going to say "yes, we are concerned about ratings and the show is on a deadline to improve them or we're gone". It's suicidal PR. So excuse me if I remain sceptical, and choose to believe that what I've heard has some veracity. That's my right as a functioning adult.

    Nor am I concerned about my job or the jobs of those on my team. I find that insulting. John Campbell is the hardest working host I have worked with and has proven he is the best interviewer the country.

    So why the tits then?

    Damian's comments have been defamatory and inflammatory.

    Yeah, I'll accept the latter, not the former. But "defamatory" is a nice one to throw into any argument, because you never really need to back it up.

    As for the racks.. well some might be critical but 30,000 people have been back for a second look on our website.. go figure if it isn't what people want to watch....

    Awesome Pip. That's great. You should definitely do more stories like that then, if that's what people want to watch. I'm sure John will really enjoy presenting that kind of show, just like everyone here will really enjoy watching it. Sigh. You've just pretty much managed in that sentence to confirm what most here (me included) have been complaining about - and the entire point of the blog. Well done.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1164 posts Report Reply

  • Cecelia,

    You've just pretty much managed in that sentence to confirm what most here (me included) have been complaining about - and the entire point of the blog.

    Agree with this but I would maintain that Close Up is as "bad" - in fact I'd rather examine another woman's boobies than see two segments of Close Up deal with an attack on DOC and a scheme to eat kiwi. Focussing on a madman.

    Hibiscus Coast • Since Apr 2008 • 559 posts Report Reply

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