E.J. DE LARA WRITES – After more than two years of study, a New Zealand commission says a single body should handle Kiwi media complaints, whether they target broadcast, print or online entities. Under the recommendation, three current media bodies would be replaced by a single “News Media Standards Authority”…
Category: New Zealand
New Zealand: Government Tries to Blow Smoke from Tobacco Dangers
Known for its green and environmentally friendly efforts, the New Zealand government is at it again, trying to enact policies that are not only “good” for the environment, but also good for the people. First Target: Tobacco companies. Influenced by the Australian government’s recent introduction of “plain cigarette packaging,” the…
NEW ZEALAND: Green for Profit?
New Zealand’s popularity as a tourist destination relies on its natural beauty and flawless scenery. The Government has chosen to market itself to tourists on this basis, with a clean, green brand. However, according to the New Zealand Herald, the Government has not been supporting the green brand like it…
AUSTRALIA: Suddenly There’s Wiggle Room
Reports by the New Zealand Herald and Sydney Morning Herald have confirmed that after 21 years, the world famous children’s singing group, the Wiggles, with be losing the majority of its members following the conclusion of its Celebration Tour in December. The move announced by the group earlier this month…
NEW ZEALAND: Court Rules Greenpeace Ad For the Birds
According to the New Zealand Herald, one of two complaints made against a Greenpeace ad has been upheld in court. The controversial ad stated that the recent Rena Oil Spill killed as many as 20,000 birds in the surrounding area and suggested that deep sea drilling could kill 1000 times more. The court…
NEW ZEALAND: Cameraman Free of Police Charges, Though Not of Scandal
Police officials in New Zealand have decided not to press charges against a freelance cameraman involved in the “teapot tapes” affair during last year’s election cycle. Allegedly, cameraman Bradley Ambrose intentionally recorded a conversation between Prime Minister John Key and Act Party Epsom candidate John Banks at a public press…
NEW ZEALAND: Port Protest Goes Radio-Active
According to the New Zealand Herald, inflammatory comments encouraging striking port workers to violence by RadioLive host Willie Jackson have infuriated Port of Auckland bosses. Members of the dockworkers union are currently protesting long shifts and lack of job security, as well as the laying off of 292 workers last week. Mr. Jackson described the…
NEW ZEALAND: Reverberations over TV Station Collapse
A Department of Building and Housing investigation has found the Canterbury TV building that collapsed in the February earthquake did not meet building standards when it was built in 1986. This finding has led to numerous calls for justice by family and friends of the 115 people who died in…
