Public Address | Cafe | Speaker: Telling Our Own Tales

Trevor Nicholls

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 14:33:34 +1200

It doesn't undermine his comments at all. But I'm sure you get a vast sense of satisfaction saying it does.

Jake Starrow

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 10:57:50 +1200

When Gerard wrote this, it is now beyond doubt that he was directing a series on the ChCh rebuild which is about to screen on TV1.

A fact that completely undermines his complaint.

How about telling the truth next time, the whole truth?

nzlemming

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:15:21 +1200

If only they were still making that point and the media were picking up on it.

Just shared it on FB ;-)

Moz

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:42:28 +1200

Interesting. googling the ACT site says there's not a lot going on. Prebble said it would be expensive and that appears to be their primary interest in the quake. Every non-emergency response to the quake seems to link it to National Party deficits. Like this:

Someone needs to spell out…

Moz

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:31:32 +1200

"A few more prisons, nice five-storey buildings blocking everyone's view, all permitted without the RMA", he said,

I don't think 5 storeys would be the limit, land in Epsom is worth too much. It'd probably be better (viz, more profitable) to buy a gully, dig it out, fill it with…

Alfie

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:04:03 +1200

That one electorate has a hell of a lot to answer for.

When it comes to Epsom, David Parker has the right idea.

In a light hearted dig at Dr Whyte, Mr Parker said "we've promised Epsom that if we're elected and they elect Act we'd like an RMA-free zone for…

Greg Dawson

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 16:46:10 +1200

When people complain about Television New Zealand being Television Auckland, I’d say they really mean Television Epsom.

That one electorate has a hell of a lot to answer for.

Kumara Republic

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 16:00:53 +1200

True – but that’s a complaint that’s been around a long time before the Christchurch quakes. Plenty of people in South and West Auckland could say with some exasperation, and more than a grain of truth, that they barely register on the “national” media radar unless there’s photogenic property damage…

Emma Hart

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:14:13 +1200

Have you considered a career in teaching literacy?

Ha, part of one of my jobs involves trying to teach "writers" how to use apostrophes, and the surprisingly difficult How to Punctuate Direct Speech WTF Do They Teach in American Schools unit. I wish it were this easy.

Two 'enter's at…

Stephen R

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:06:17 +1200

Hey look, the ellipses are gone! It's almost like somebody pointed it out.

Obviously magic powers. It took my wife 5 years of constantly criticising my apostrophes and Over Capitalisation before I finally got it sorted. (mostly).

Have you considered a career in teaching literacy?

Emma Hart

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:45:42 +1200

Hey look, the ellipses are gone! It's almost like somebody pointed it out.

nzlemming

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:33:40 +1200

Have we found Jason Ede?

Nah, He's living it up with Carmen Sandiego.

Hebe

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:27:09 +1200

It’s plain to anyone watching the whole quake scenario play out that the government has done a deal with reinsurers: EQC and insurers’ costs would be minimised as much as possible and most large pay-outs would be made in 2013-14 and after (see Munich Re’s annual report for 2010-11 for…

Greg Dawson

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:23:30 +1200

I was wondering what whether there was anything useful in the IP addresses. Being spoofed? Have we found Jason Ede?

Alfie

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:17:17 +1200

If "Jake" was correct, wouldn't our newspapers and TV screens would be full of Christchurch stories, embarrassing the government into actually fixing the problems? If that was the case, I doubt there would be so many people being royally screwed over by insurance companies and EQC. What colour is the…

Hebe

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:56:19 +1200

It’s a compliment to Public Address' role a a key influencer to see that a professional writer is so concerned about the earthquake recovery’s effect on National’s party vote that they are prepared to spend a considerable amount of time crafting their lines in three different names at a crucial…

Jake Starrow

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:01:54 +1200

The Minister in charge of the rebuild etc is a local, Gerry Brownlee. Christchurch has a handful of MPs who can present local issues, individual scenarios to their peers incl committees, commissions as well as relevant ministers in Parliament.
Christchurch has an ex-Labour associate Minister as Mayor who knows the…

Ian Dalziel

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:58:25 +1200

. . . com
total ellipse of the heart....

Barnaby Bennett

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:04:47 +1200

Thanks Bruce, thats a really well made point.

BenWilson

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:50:41 +1200

I did wonder.

nzlemming

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:46:53 +1200

More telling to me is the identical use of …… dot dot dot everywhere.

Which is kinda what "can’t work ellipses" means...

BenWilson

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:36:52 +1200

What I’m just sayin’ is that’s the same person.

More telling to me is the identical use of ...... dot dot dot everywhere.

Ian Dalziel

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:36:18 +1200

CTV Ilam meeting is available on CTV on demand
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee backtracked quickly last night after describing 250 earthquake claimants as "grumpy".
Brownlee last night joined a CTV candidate debate for Ilam, in which he was challenged on his responsiveness to meetings like last week's Campbell Live…

Rob Stowell

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:22:48 +1200

Aucklands not currently the problem.
No. And since no one much except you lot have espoused that view, can we stop talking about it please?

BruceR

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:14:59 +1200

One of the things that has been done very successfully by Key, Brownlee, Parata, and a host of other central government representatives, AND, the insurance companies, is to represent the situation in Christchurch and Canterbury as a "local" issue. The failures in Christchurch are very much a failure of central…

Alfie

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:07:21 +1200

Hey all you sheep-shagging zealots....listen up! Jeremy is a friend of mine...
Even imaginary friends are better than no friends. Doh!

Emma Hart

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:02:15 +1200

Before anyone gets too involved with “Jake”, I’ll just point out that’s a third shiny new account with the same viewpoint that coincidentally can’t work ellipses or paragraph breaks. I’m just sayin’. What I’m just sayin’ is that’s the same person.

Craig Ranapia

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:54:47 +1200

But the post by Gerard is about ‘national’ media (primarily television), that happen to be based in Auckland. Not about regional newspapers or regional radio or regional television.

True — but that's a complaint that's been around a long time before the Christchurch quakes. Plenty of people in South and…

Barnaby Bennett

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:37:25 +1200

Jack, that is a further point I write about. We can't solve our own issues because we don't have democratic representation down here. Christchurch is dominated by the national and National government at both local and regional levels, and this is tacitly supported by the rest of the country by…

Jake Starrow

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:15:23 +1200

But that’s the very point Bruce.....the Christchurch earthquakes, however big an issue, are still a local issue. So it's entirely fitting that the many earthquake programmes Gerard has made were aired on local television....aka CTV where the audiences are pitiful. What does that say?
[By the way, Auckland doesn't have…

BruceR

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:29:25 +1200

But the post by Gerard is about 'national' media (primarily television), that happen to be based in Auckland. Not about regional newspapers or regional radio or regional television.

JacksonP

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:06:59 +1200

I’ll say goodbye, even though I’m blue…

Hello, goodbye?

This seems apposite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDxDW9jEjHg

Craig Ranapia

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 08:44:33 +1200

It’s a courageous admission to make but upon reflection, he agrees that the Auckland-based media have it in for Christchurch and are intent on giving your southern city as little exposure as possible.

M'kay... if John Campbell is lurking hereabouts I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was smacking…

Geoff Lealand

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 08:12:12 +1200

Who needs enemies when you have 'friends' like Sam?

Russell Brown

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 07:08:35 +1200

4. That’s all Jeremy and I would like to add. Please do us the favour of banning us in future, Because we simply don’t care enough to partake any further. Good luck with your incessant blame-games….but don’t get your hopes up for any change.
Because Aucklanders couldn’t give a toss…

sam bryant

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 07:07:32 +1200

And oh by the way, I've been informed that Gerard was able to make at least 12 programmes for a earthquake series last year......showed on Christchurch's local telly station. A bit rich then to claim that ChCh doesn't have voice !!!!

Ian Dalziel

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 06:45:48 +1200

…and this is why the TPPA must be stopped!

…with Pharmac nobbled there would be way more than just the ‘Jeremy’ and ‘Sams’ of this world off their meds to deal with…

I do hope they get the help they need with their ‘issues’…
I understand their anger at not…

nzlemming

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:55:16 +1200

I'll say goodbye, even though I'm blue...

Trevor Nicholls

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:26:12 +1200

Welcome back "Jeremy". I'll say hello now, because I don't think you'll be around for long.

sam bryant

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:02:53 +1200

Hey all you sheep-shagging zealots....listen up! Jeremy is a friend of mine and because you saw fit to censure his honesty Brownie, I reckon its only fair I add the final messages he wanted to impart to you boneheads.

Message 1. So Gerard essentially wants Town and Around back so…

nzlemming

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:09:21 +1200

the rise of flat-screens ruined it for everyone..

That, my friend, would tend to depend on one's particular kink...

Sacha

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:43:36 +1200

mum made me get down off it
the rise of flat-screens ruined it for everyone..

JacksonP

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:49:03 +1200

Anyway, I didn't do it above, but I'm going to shamelessly self-promote the Capture thread Two Tales of a City, authored by Lilith and Gudrun, both Christchurch locals (at the time :-) ) , which ran from 10 May 2012, with the last comment around May this year.

It is…

Kumara Republic

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:57:48 +1200

The funny part about all that is that he ended up supporting Gerard’s thesis by making NZ media synonymous with Auckland media.

And more specifically, it’s dominated bythe North Shore/Epsom point of view. If one short sentence could sum up the problem with today’s media landscape, it would be as…

Rich of Observationz

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:31:46 +1200

I used to be on the telly

...but mum made me get down off it as I was getting too heavy and might break it.

Barnaby Bennett

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:31:06 +1200

The funny part about all that is that he ended up supporting Gerard's thesis by making NZ media synonymous with Auckland media.

Hebe

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:20:25 +1200

arguing like a grown-up

The Public Address motto.

Russell Brown

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:49:42 +1200

” I will actually remove you if you can’t do this.”
What a show-off bully-boy you are Russell.
Playing up to your converts and threatening censorship as your ultimate ploy.

Yep, that's me. Regular old bully. Famous for it.

You used to be on the telly but I know for…

nzlemming

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:23:04 +1200

Talk about a sense of entitlement. I think the dick line has been well crossed, Russell.

ilmars Gravis

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:21:58 +1200

Sounds like someone needs a cuddle.....

Ian Dalziel

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 06:32:45 +1200

Bull...frog...
Jerem(y)iah is well named
what with all the long lamentations...
and if he thinks my input was vile
he doesn't get out alot
personally I thought I was quite restrained.
(for a disciple)

his blandly delivered vituperative observations
show a very insecure individual
with delusions of grandeur
and bad…

Trevor Nicholls

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 02:06:35 +1200

Never mind, "Jeremy". I'm sure there's an audience for you somewhere. Possibly even a paying one.

jeremy botham

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 01:54:42 +1200

" I will actually remove you if you can't do this."
What a show-off bully-boy you are Russell.
Playing up to your converts and threatening censorship as your ultimate ploy.
I notice you didn't raise a murmur to the vile abuse I copped from I Dalziel.
That's cos he's a…

Hebe

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 22:22:59 +1200

Russell: thanks, lots of them, to you for the space, the threads, the calm concern on all the earthquake threads. Also to all the PASers who have been around, doing what they do so well here: informing each other, writing fine tales, taking great pictures, debating and giving strength. Every…

Hebe

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 21:42:12 +1200

Or, you know, he’s not who he purports to be.

Yep.

stephen clover

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 21:17:01 +1200

Surprising then Jeremy...

Looks like Jeremy Botham forgot who he was talking to there, for a moment. Or, you know, he's not who he purports to be.

Hebe

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 21:05:56 +1200

Christchurch should sell our assets to please people who live in a city where sewer covers are welded down because the system is so poorly maintained that without doing so you would have effluent geysers in the streets?

BenWilson

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:43:01 +1200

may not mean what you have been deluded into believing it does..

Thanks to John Key, the meaning of refute has actually changed. It is now synonymous with dispute, and there is no word for the original meaning. Do you refute this?

Sacha

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:38:54 +1200

refuting

may not mean what you have been deluded into believing it does..

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:14:10 +1200

How extraordinary to think that I originally sent in a reply refuting much of the claims in the original article…..only to unleash such a tidal wave of anger along the lines of “how dare you put up opposing viewpoints!”

You didn't refute much, if anything. You've basically disagreed and then…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:03:03 +1200

Blatant hyperbole doesn’t do your argument any favours Barnaby. To claim that the NZ economy is “currently being propped up by Christchurch is a total falsehood. It is a factor but no more so in recent times than the dairy industry and the thriving Auckland property market.

No, actually, the…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 19:20:04 +1200

Surprising then Jeremy you have time to slag Auckland media and also compile a bevy of sweeping generalisations like ChCh propping up the NZ economy etc.
You have been busy.
How extraordinary to think that I originally sent in a reply refuting much of the claims in the original article.....only…

Trevor Nicholls

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 19:02:44 +1200

The launch cost $16,000. You can see it here. We don’t know how you can possibly spend that much on a launch for around 50 people

Marketing it in Auckland.

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:52:45 +1200

oh, and here's the essay I wrote! https://medium.com/@mrbarnabyb/design-and-democracy-339fa4688d70

Enough from me!

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:51:41 +1200

Jeremy, please don't go there about what we've done in terms of positive things. How about helping out helping found and organise the Festival of Transitional Architecture (festa.org.nz) that has brought, 50,000 people into the struggling city, how about publishing 2 books that have highlighted all the amazing things happening…

Geoff Lealand

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:48:25 +1200

Hey, cut that out!

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:35:23 +1200

Feel better Joe? I bet your doctor is pleased with your progress.

Geoff Lealand

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:33:47 +1200

Hang on a bit, Jeremy. I think that Barnaby raises some very interesting questions. I wasn’t aware of some of these dodgy connections.

Joe Wylie

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:26:54 +1200

This buffoon probably won't be the last refugee from Slater's foundering trollfarm to crawl ashore here.

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:23:45 +1200

Blatant hyperbole doesn't do your argument any favours Barnaby. To claim that the NZ economy is "currently being propped up by Christchurch is a total falsehood. It is a factor but no more so in recent times than the dairy industry and the thriving Auckland property market.
Do your credibility…

Lilith __

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 17:50:41 +1200

15. We do know that the CCC built a Convention Centre in just north of the Town Hall in 1997 for $15 million. This new one is a little bit bigger and 25 times the cost.

Thanks for laying this out, Barnaby. This bit particularly beggars belief. People wonder why…

Rob Stowell

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 17:07:10 +1200

the new Convention Centre Precinct in the heart of central Christchurch.
This fuelled an immediate ‘wft’ reaction to the CCDU blueprint.
We’ve been struggling to redesign the central city for decades, to bring people, business, art, culture, life back in. How could they get this so wrong?
Or put another…

Rob Stowell

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:56:54 +1200

Surely if Christchurch is unfairly starved by national television, I could assume that the locals would be watching CTV and the documentary series on the earthquakes that Gerard made in their droves.
There was a time when CTV did have a significant audience share. I could run you through the…

Rich of Observationz

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:53:58 +1200

It's this cargo cult of wanting to pour as much concrete as possible in the hope it'll attract money.

Christchurch Airport – finished, at no doubt huge expense at a time when the builders could have been fixing the city, so that people can marvel at its huge, echoing halls…

Kumara Republic

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:38:10 +1200

And much of the lingering discontent in CHC is strongly related to Big Insurance dragging the chain. If it’s good enough to impose a “full, fair & final” deadline on Treaty of Waitangi claimants, then it’s good enough to impose full, fair & final on Big Insurance. The most likely stumbling block…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:23:17 +1200

I find it very frustrating that these huge financial and planning decisions are being made with little critical examination or discussion.

Quite! I haven’t found anyone in Christchurch who is happy with the Convention Centre. It’s just a fait accompli with a shitload of taxpayer money. It’s really very definitely…

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:18:19 +1200

Here is just one example of many odd things happening down here that isn't being covered either here or up in Auckland:

THE LITTLE WE KNOW

A few weeks ago the PM was in Christchurch to present to launch of the partners for the new Convention Centre Precinct in the…

Sue

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:17:01 +1200

I just Voted, I live in Wellington.
How the government has treated Canterbury was a big part of my Party Vote Decision. Christchurch is a national issue. Future Disaster response and preparedness decisions in our country will follow the path of Christchurch, and right now, 4 years on that everything…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:14:34 +1200

Surely Russell, with your insight into the workings of the media, you’re aware that events that are now over two years old,

Four years. This post was published on the fourth anniversary of the first quake.

however monumentally tragic they were, have now lost significant traction outside of Christchurch.
It’s…

Lilith __

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:02:28 +1200

Because most of the media headquarters are based here Bruce. Simply a reality.
As it is in the UK with London. The USA with New York. France with Paris. etc etc etc etc etc.

Chch is NZ’s 2nd largest city.
Chch people are not only your fellow citizens, but your…

Emma Hart

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:59:28 +1200

events that are now over two years old

You know the situation well, right? If not the date.

Four. Four years since the start of an on-going situation which has not stopped.

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:58:48 +1200

It's too simple to say 'the media doesn't cover it because people aren't interested.' People become interested when they are told stories about things that are told well. So the lack of interest is, in part, a by product of A. lack of coverage, and. B. lack of quality in…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:56:03 +1200

And whoever said size isn't important was lying !

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:54:45 +1200

Because most of the media headquarters are based here Bruce. Simply a reality.
As it is in the UK with London. The USA with New York. France with Paris. etc etc etc etc etc.

Lilith __

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:48:28 +1200

But these are our fellow New Zealanders, and our government. That’s the difference, surely.

Thanks Russell.

Says something if this thread also becomes all about Auckland. Kind of proves the point, eh.

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:48:11 +1200

Surely Russell, with your insight into the workings of the media, you're aware that events that are now over two years old, however monumentally tragic they were, have now lost significant traction outside of Christchurch.
It's arguably not fair, but most of life isn't.

Bruce Ward

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:43:35 +1200

Sorry if this gets under your skin, Jeremy, but I am not looking for a conspiracy. I was looking for a reasonable explanation in the questions I asked and which you have ignored.
Perhaps I was thinking more of current affairs, but as st ephen pointed out that was left…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:39:32 +1200

Do you blame the world press including our own for not regularly detailing the awful plight of those poor folk in Gaza….now that the Israeli onslaught is over? I bet Gazans wish the publicity remained.

But these are our fellow New Zealanders, and our government. That's the difference, surely.

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:38:26 +1200

I visit Christchurch regularly Russell. I know the situation well. Very presumptuous of you to assume otherwise.

My apologies then. I also grew up in Christchurch, I get down there several times a year, and this place has been a sounding-board for Christchurch people since the first quake. I don't…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:34:38 +1200

I visit Christchurch regularly Russell. I know the situation well. Very presumptuous of you to assume otherwise.

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:31:21 +1200

It may not suit your conspiracy theories Bruce but "the Auckland-based media" is not some one-off, perverse, antagonistic organ....hell-bent on victimising Christchurch.
Stories come and go.....whatever their magnitude.

Do you similarly blame the world press including our own for having lost interest in the whereabouts of the missing Boeing? I…

st ephen

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:29:56 +1200

You left out this crucial lead-in to that quote:
Over a three month period they watched and categorised all publicly funded programmes, with the exception of news and current affairs, that were broadcast...

So the Auckland vs Chch hours have nothing to do with news or documentaries on the earthquake…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:26:29 +1200

“Auckland media, with few exceptions, have given almost no space to ChCh issues.”

That kind of fabrication sums up precisely my frustrations. It reeks of not letting the truth get in the way of a good story.

"A good story"? Could you be any more dismissive? C'mon. You've just acknowledged…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:17:47 +1200

Thanks for that considered reply Barnaby. Food for thought. I do suspect though that earthquake fatigue as with other disaster-related fatigue is a reality in Christchurch as much as anywhere else.
That can explain obvious apathy and inaction....all part of the human condition I suppose.

Bruce Ward

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:14:34 +1200

My association with the maligned Auckland-based media prompts my replies.....not a lack of sympathy for Christchurch.

Then perhaps you would comment on the information presented in Gerard's post:
Over these three months Christchurch appeared on national screens on average for 33 minutes a week. Aucklanders saw themselves for 659 minutes…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:14:01 +1200

"Auckland media, with few exceptions, have given almost no space to ChCh issues."

That kind of fabrication sums up precisely my frustrations. It reeks of not letting the truth get in the way of a good story.

It's sweeping, emotional clap-trap and cannot hope to pose as factual.

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:02:09 +1200

Its a fair question and I don't honestly know the answer. I don't think the CTV problem is a uniquely Canterbury thing though is it, as hardly any of the regional TV stations have much of an audience do they? They also don't have the capital to make the high…

Lilith __

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:59:08 +1200

Inferring that I lack empathy because I do have opposing views is not fair play. I do have empathy. Oodles of it.
My association with the maligned Auckland-based media prompts my relies…..not a lack of sympathy for Christchurch.

If you're a media person, then perhaps you could try listening instead…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:51:07 +1200

I look forward to your essay Barnaby.....but could somebody please explain the oddity that is CTV in regards to its tiny audiences that watch earthquake related stuff? I'm keen to learn.

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:49:04 +1200

I made a request for no abuse on the back of a 100% abusive reply from one of your major contributors, Ian Dalziel. If that wasn't abuse, then I've lost it.
And please Russell, with abundant respect, don't use the sympathy card to deny me or any other contributor the…

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:36:26 +1200

Jeremy, I completely agree that any minister would have found this all difficult, and in part I do quite respect how Brownlee has managed some extremely difficult problems. While the communication was not always the best the redzoning was really quite a significant move that was well handled. (apart from…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:32:24 +1200

And before any of you feel the need to abuse me, count to 10 and dwell on the fact that debate is the lifeblood of democracy.

Which implies that people can and will question your reasoning. That’s not abuse.

And can I also ask that you try and show a…

Russell Brown

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:31:07 +1200

Oh no Barnaby. You can’t get away with describing Gerard’s article as not being “negative about people outside of Christchurch.” Comments such as “Aucklanders were just not interested” and “the Auckland-based networks were just not interested” are implicit in the disparaging negativity and xenophobia that themes the article.

They're descriptions…

nzlemming

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:18:12 +1200

debate is the lifeblood of democracy

Debate requires factual evidence. Your posts are significantly lacking in this area. As well, they are offensive, and not just to the people who are living through the "rebuild". If you haven't got the evidence to back up your claims, have the decency to…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:09:27 +1200

Rather than this tit-for-tat nonsense, let me say that I prefer to listen to and believe in what Gerry Brownlee has to say on the overall subject.
He can't get it right all the time. Nobody in this sad, unprecedented tale in our history could be expected to.
But I…

Bruce Ward

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:07:27 +1200

Now who is touchy? Suppose away ...

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:52:45 +1200

I suppose that's Auckland's fault as well Bruce....that you can't come up with a rational response.

Bruce Ward

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:49:04 +1200

I tried to write a reasoned response to your nit-picking post and your supremely patronising response to someone who is living through the Christchurch mess, but words failed me ...

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:38:28 +1200

I suspect Sweeping Generalisations would be your specialist topic on Mastermind Barnaby.
Answer the question......if Cantabrians are so ignored and publicity-starved in the media, why is the audience of your local channel, CTV, and the earthquake docos it has aired watched by such a pitifully-small audience.

Ian Dalziel

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:35:18 +1200

FTFY
Take a few deep breaths
and put the bitter troll aside.
knock yourself out...

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:33:20 +1200

Oh Ian. I must have struck a bigger chord than I dare imagined given the personal abuse you've resorted to.
It's called debate Ian. It's called an opposing view....which tends to break out in a democracy.
Don't feel so threatened Ian. Take a few deep breaths and put the vitriol…

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:31:58 +1200

Ok. The only point I've got time to reply with here is the idea that Roger Sutton and CERA have been looking to locals for information.

The complete lack of public input into the government led plan is a planning and governance disgrace. This is a multi-billion dollar and ten…

Ian Dalziel

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:26:34 +1200

Jeez Jezza...
Is an adult helping you with these zingers ?
or are you coming up with them on your own?

I can feel your stabby little finger from here...
but can live without the spittle.

Patronising prat.

Kumara Republic

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:18:17 +1200

As someone put it, if it felt this strong here, and it had been centred in Wellington, there’d be nothing left there but a huge hole in the ground.

And still on Wellington, the public sector austerity hasn't won John Key many fans in the capital. And even then, given…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:10:57 +1200

Oh no Barnaby. You can't get away with describing Gerard's article as not being "negative about people outside of Christchurch." Comments such as "Aucklanders were just not interested" and "the Auckland-based networks were just not interested" are implicit in the disparaging negativity and xenophobia that themes the article. It's by…

Kumara Republic

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:34:22 +1200

If Christchurch wants more outsider sympathy, how about facing reality and sell-off assets like the airport…..before you expect the taxpayer to fund your rebuild completely.
That reminds me of Doug Myers’ epithet of the “Peoples’ Republic of Christchurch” when he couldn’t swallow the fact that CCC-owned companies were run just…

Barnaby Bennett

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:32:01 +1200

Jeremy. Nothing in Gerald's article or the book or anything I've heard anyone say is xenophopic or negative about people outside of Christchurch. It is a description about the problems that happen when people don't get to tell stories about themselves to each other. No one is asking for sympathy,…

jeremy botham

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:23:09 +1200

Well said Simon. Brave words. The xenophobia that exists in Canterbury amongst a few thrives on self-serving conspiracy theories and nonsense. I'm sure that the good people of Timaru could put forward a case that their existence and stories are not given fair exposure in the Christchurch Press in proportion…

Joe Wylie

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:36:38 +1200

Where can I buy the book?

Looks like you can get it here.

Hebe

Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:54:54 +1200

Every word. Where can I buy the book?

Angela Hart

Sat, 06 Sep 2014 13:05:26 +1200

The problem then is that we are governed by a central agency whose mandate comes from the rest of the country. In any other circumstance it wouldn't matter if people didn't follow what is happening here,

Understood. Hope for change, and do what you (lawfully) can to precipitate it. Votes…

Michael PlaysBass

Sat, 06 Sep 2014 12:34:54 +1200

As another Chch-born Aucklander, I'd like to thank Russell and all the contributors for their thoughtful comments.

Except of course the troll bleating like they were actually the real victim because they feel hated. Much easier to feel like a victim than feel empathy apparently. There, there, hope your victimhood…

Barnaby Bennett

Sat, 06 Sep 2014 11:53:24 +1200

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm one of the editors of the book that this essay is from. On some levels this government has done ok. There a thousand different scenarios that could have emerged post-quake and the one we have isn't amongst the worst. So in some ways I don'…

Lilith __

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:09:46 +1200

if we have an event of the magnitude of the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake that considerably altered the coastline of the North Island, the Christchurch events will pale in comparison. I wish the self-serving glory seeking politicians supposedly running the rebuild from the top down would realise we absolutely cannot afford…

Joe Wylie

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:50:07 +1200

To put it simply, this isn’t going to be the last time this happens and it could easily be worse next time. Something my lecturer told us put it in perspective for me, apparently if we have an event of the magnitude of the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake that considerably altered…

ilmars Gravis

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:32:33 +1200

Okay, I live in Auckland and admit I can have no real idea about what people are dealing with, STILL, in Christchurch. I'll admit it was possibly a bit self-serving but why is John Campbell the only person on mainstream TV keeping up with this. Canterbury and the rest of…

JacksonP

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 11:44:42 +1200

The many posts on PA have certainty helped feel a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those living through all this.

Visiting though made it all the more real.

Seeing it through the eyes of Emma, Ian, Lilith, Isabel, and all the others who have welcomed us visitors from…

Kathy Fryer

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:55:56 +1200

Christchurch isn't forgotten there are still Aucklanders who believe that the EQC, Insurance companys and Jerry Brownlee should be accountable for the delays in settling damage claims and repairs.

Just thinking

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 05:49:04 +1200

This story needs some fleshing out. I suspect the specter of Hamilton still casts a shadow here.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/10462414/No-official-recognition-for-quake-volunteers
https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyEM/photos/pb.259680464673.-2207520000.1409852586./10150592537854674/?type=1&theater

Just thinking

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 21:24:55 +1200

Campbell has done really well in covering Christchurch.

As for Aucklanders, send us some more strong young people, we'll give them a trade and a new future.

Myles Thomas

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 19:55:59 +1200

Gerard is absolutely right. ALL the regions are neglected cos the current setup with a govt that requires a profit and no more from TVNZ. The need for regional public service tv is felt more keenly in Chch obviously.

Of course the way to change things is at the election.…

Alfie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 18:52:16 +1200

Hard to call us first world...
Gordon McLauchlan shares that sentiment in today's Herald.
The United States used to buy up small Central American countries and arrange for the locals to plant and harvest bananas on low wages before the fruit and the profits were shipped away. They were called, disparagingly,…

Graham Dunster

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 18:27:56 +1200

Agree 100% that changing the government as a result of their disinterest in the people of Christchurch should be the overriding priority of the election.
Fortuitously this may well mean that a lot of other ills also get addressed, but irrespective of that the ongoing crucifixion of Christchurch is a…

Euan Mason

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:22:20 +1200

Seriously Christchurch people. Next time you open your mouths try and talk for more than a minute without saying how much you hate Auckland(ers) and Wellington(ians).

Simon, guess what? This very thoughtful article wasn't about you. I know that may be hard to stomach, but really, it wasn't.

Gerard, thanks…

Kumara Republic

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 16:47:51 +1200

Simon, need I remind you of the Oily One’s outright contempt? This issue is a whole lot bigger than just old-fashioned AKL vs CHC rivalry.

Paul Swadel

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:26:33 +1200

Well done, Gerard. A great read

Emma Hart

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:25:18 +1200

Thanks for that final beer at the Dux, Emma.

Might have been my final beer at the Dux too, Sacha. Sorry it was pissing with rain.

Sacha

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:29:56 +1200

It’s something that’s “in hand”, something that’s not good, but is being given an appropriate level of support and care.

It's what happens when you abdicate responsbility to a 'leader'. It's this govt's style, and people voted them back in. But it corrodes community (and perhaps morality as we're seeing…

Dan Salmon

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:23:08 +1200

Thanks for that Gerard. We all need to be reminded that our audiences aren't just ourselves (particularly us Aucklanders). I look forward to seeing the footage sometime.

Alfie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:05:48 +1200

Seems puzzling to me with magnitudes better technology, and excess journalists and TV/film techs that it's not relatively cheap to produce local content today? Journalist/tech teams of two, low cost gear, pitch in and do what needs doing.
You're correct Rob – the cost of news gathering is miniscule these…

Joe Wylie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:49:25 +1200

What I realised subsequently was that almost none of my Christchurch friends had ventured there – it was too hard. I think I was able to do something as a visitor (although I grew up in Christchurch) that they couldn’t.

The photo-essay is here if anyone missed it at the…

Bart Janssen

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:49:07 +1200

people aren’t [cheap]

Yup. Especially people with talent, although they frequently sell themselves short.

But there are tools that allow people like me to contribute, and I think there are a lot of people like me who would contribute.

I seriously don't know how hard it would be to do,…

Angela Hart

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:46:59 +1200

The photo-essay is here if anyone missed it at the time.

tears- many of us do really care but feel so helpless

Rob Stowell

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:45:27 +1200

Thanks Gerard for this post, and Russell for continuing great work.
but is there a way that a u-tube channel or something similar could fill the gap so obviously left by the loss of our state broadcasters.
As Ian observed, it's mostly about funding. Platforms and technology are pretty cheap;…

Hilary Stace

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:41:55 +1200

I wish the rest of NZ would get angry about the removal of local democracy in Canterbury. We have little enough democracy in NZ as it is, but for the Government to just remove an elected body – Environment Canterbury – and show no signs of giving control back to…

Joe Wylie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:39:55 +1200

It also must be remembered that the ’quake struck at 4.30am on a Saturday

And the aftershock that mercifully unjammed my front door was around 4.50am. These things have a way of stamping themselves onto your memory.

Bart Janssen

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:35:58 +1200

This may be stupid, no worries if it is, but is there a way that a u-tube channel or something similar could fill the gap so obviously left by the loss of our state broadcasters.

The fact is any semblance of a state broadcaster has gone. I would love for…

Russell Brown

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:35:42 +1200

Thank you. Some time back, among the pictures you posted from your trip to crumbling Avonside, there was a shot taken from two doors along of the familiar river view from what used to be my kitchen window. While it was kind of numbing at the time to realise that…

Lilith __

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:28:43 +1200

Something non-Chch people can do to help us is vote for a government that will restore our local democracy. We can't vote for our Canterbury Regional Council, and the City Council is overruled at every turn by Gerry Brownlee with the extraordinary powers he has been granted by central government.…

Jeanette King

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:28:19 +1200

As someone living on TC3 land in Chch and near the Flockton Basin I have found the Facebook groups 'TC3 residents' and 'Canterbury's Flood Affected Residents' to be very useful and vital forums which are being used for information swapping, support and venting. These FB groups have been so important…

Rob Coup

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:20:00 +1200

My uncle was in a central city hotel that night. A few lessons he took away: always have your phone charged; put your stuff IN the bedside drawers so you're not scrabbling around in the dark under the bed looking for your glasses & phone & wallet after they go walking all…

Grant McDougall

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:09:38 +1200

It also must be remembered that the 'quake struck at 4.30am on a Saturday, so there were far less people in the central city, out and about, etc, so that probably saved a few lives.

A mate of mine tells me a great story of a Dutch tourist being found…

BenWilson

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:08:25 +1200

Over these three months Christchurch appeared on national screens on average for 33 minutes a week. Aucklanders saw themselves for 659 minutes – twenty times Christchurch’s lot. And this was after we had had an earthquake.

That's incredible. I really had no idea it was that bad. Admittedly that is…

Grant McDougall

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:03:56 +1200

Anyone want to predict whether Christchurch voters will vote for National more, less, or about the same as the rest of the country?

I asked this question last week to someone who works in the media in Chch. He said there's a good chance that, Ilam aside, the electorates will…

Lara

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:03:55 +1200

Seriously Christchurch people. Next time you open your mouths try and talk for more than a minute without saying how much you hate Auckland(ers) and Wellington(ians).

Wow. Just wow. I’ve not actually seen any of that anywhere. But, hey, enjoy your little bubble.

I remember that it was such a…

Joe Wylie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:01:35 +1200

And thanks again to Russell for giving us room the last few years here on PAS, it means a lot.

It’s meant a lot to me, too. Not just in feeling somehow useful, but for the fact that you and others have enriched the place by coming here to talk.…

Russell Brown

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:52:19 +1200

And thanks again to Russell for giving us room the last few years here on PAS, it means a lot.

It's meant a lot to me, too. Not just in feeling somehow useful, but for the fact that you and others have enriched the place by coming here to talk.

Liam Dann

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:51:54 +1200

I'm pretty sure I wrote the essay in the book which most strongly argues that Aucklanders don't really care much anymore. So far I think I've upset far more Aucklanders than Cantabrians with this premise. I didn't mean we don't care about the suffering or have sympathy when we actually…

Jan Rivers

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:50:22 +1200

I support the view that the real makers of meaningful news are at the margins notwithstanding the efforts of the Press and Campbell Live's coverage of Christchurch. This need not have been the case but the shape and texture of our media landscape is at least as much a result…

Lilith __

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:46:11 +1200

And thanks again to Russell for giving us room the last few years here on PAS, it means a lot.

Arohanui to all Chch people today, and to those elsewhere who support us and listen to us. You've no idea how much that helps.

Rob Coup

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:45:50 +1200

The money men need to have the will to do it…
…and they don’t see a return,
not even as pro bono
self publicity…
their margins marginalise everyone else…

I’m getting further & further away from my realm of expertise here, so bear with me. We’ve historically said the same about…

Lilith __

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:42:43 +1200

Thank you Gerard for this excellent post. I absolutely agree that Chch ppl lack a forum to communicate not just with officialdom but also with each other. Let alone with the rest of NZ.

Some groups, notably Gap Filler and the Avon River Park group have used FaceBook to good…

bob daktari

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:32:42 +1200

I wish we could hear more tales fromChristchurch and other towns and cities too -as someone who has lived in a few small regional places the only time the news ever mentions them is always in relation to crime or some other disaster & sport – its simply not good enough!…

Emma Hart

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:28:39 +1200

Seriously Christchurch people. Next time you open your mouths try and talk for more than a minute without saying how much you hate Auckland(ers) and Wellington(ians).

Seriously, Simon. You read this piece, today, and this was what you felt a burning need to say? That, what, we're failing to see…

Russell Brown

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:06:22 +1200

Dear Devil's Advocate. I've deleted your revolting bit of trolling there and I'm about to ban your account. You have no idea.

Ian Dalziel

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:54:55 +1200

The Mainland Touch...
at NZ on Screen

I often wonder how that Tower would have survived the quakes, if they'd built it...

Thomas Beagle

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:47:35 +1200

I'm really looking forward to see how Christchurch votes in the general election as I think this will be the real indicator of how they feel about the National government's rebuild efforts.

Anyone want to predict whether Christchurch voters will vote for National more, less, or about the same as…

Ben Austin

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:41:27 +1200

Rather hard to write an article about the loss of strong state owned regional TV in Christchurch and how this is especially a loss during disasters without talking about the main tv channels being based in Auckland, Simon.

I imagine NZBC Auckland had a strong regional team back then as…

Stephen Judd

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:38:12 +1200

The average person who lives in the North Island isn't responsible for your house not being fixed or insurance not being paid so stop talking like we are.

The votes of North Islanders and the moral pressure they exert on the nation's leadership make a difference. Please consider whether maybe…

Joe Wylie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:34:46 +1200

Looking back, September 4 2010 was a gorgeous day.

Mike Dickison

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:26:38 +1200

I moved to Auckland a year after the main quake. Everyone was extremely sympathetic and wanted to help in any way they could. Perhaps there are Aucklanders who don't care about Chch, but I never met them. What was obvious, though, was that they had no real idea of the…

Ian Dalziel

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:20:59 +1200

can't coders read between the lines?
Seriously Christchurch people. Next time you open your mouths try and talk for more than a minute without saying how much you hate Auckland(ers) and Wellington(ians).
This from the empath who wrote in July 2011:
Later this month I’ll be in Christchurch for the…

Angela Hart

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:18:41 +1200

The money men need to have the will to do it...
...and they don't see a return,
not even as pro bono
self publicity...

their margins marginalise everyone else...

This and loss of this ability to tell local stories makes us more easily managed, or am I getting toooo cynical?

Joe Wylie

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:14:42 +1200

The Birmingham City Council is bigger than NZ. Period.

With greater metro Birmingham – including Coventry – at a shade under 4 million on the last available figures it looks more like a photo finish.

Russell Brown

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:14:29 +1200

Seriously Christchurch people. Next time you open your mouths try and talk for more than a minute without saying how much you hate Auckland(ers) and Wellington(ians).

Simon, I almost deleted your tin-eared comment because it seemed so awfully inappropriate given today's #eqnz anniversary.

But I would say this. When my…

Nora Leggs

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:12:45 +1200

makes my heart ache : (

Hebe

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:11:38 +1200

Thank you Gerard for your words, your stories, your films and your rare ability to find the best of us all in the worst of times. Arohanui

Ian Dalziel

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:00:01 +1200

What am I missing?
The money men need to have the will to do it...
...and they don't see a return,
not even as pro bono
self publicity...

their margins marginalise everyone else...

Ross Mason

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:58:02 +1200

Simon: A workmate (Pom) reminded me about something in a thumping down to earth realisation the other day. He referred to NZ like being in Birmingham.

Eh?

The Birmingham City Council is bigger than NZ. Period.

For anyone in NZ to ignore Chch or berate Aucklanders is as if Auckland…

Barnaby Bennett

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:51:17 +1200

Simon, really tasteful and considerate thing to contribute on the fourth anniversary of the quakes. I've never heard a single person down here talk about hating anyone from the rest of the country. When people have been through enormous grief and suffering telling stories to each other is critical. This…

Rob Coup

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:50:00 +1200

Twenty years ago publicly funded broadcasters TVNZ and the NZBC before them had over 300 staffers based in Christchurch. Each day a team of around 40 put together a five night a week, half hour show. It was made by us, about us and for us. From the middle of…

Simon Lyall

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:18:48 +1200

Seriously Christchurch people. Next time you open your mouths try and talk for more than a minute without saying how much you hate Auckland(ers) and Wellington(ians).

This happened with the "Hope and Wire" thread. Constant complaining about "Wellington" crews, "Auckland-based" actors and the like telling "our" story.

The average person…

Public Address

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:18:48 +1200

Discussion from blog post.