We’re all about television this edition, because major changes are about to be announced to the present, clapped out model. TVNZ producer and director Chris Bourn, re-visits times when our telly, felt as if it was part of us. Regular Kiwiboomers contributor Chris Horan is similarly nostalgic, while media academic Geoff Lealand, lists three Christmas wishes for TV and RNZ. My contribution outlines how Governments with kooky agendas ever got to this point. What do our writers share? A longing for something Governments have ignored since Kiwi television began: a non-commercial public broadcaster, which serves and salves our needs as a community. Trout a la Mouse anyone….?
Now here’s a fishy one…
This last summer, a friend came down to Nelson from Atlanta USA to fish for trout with a fishing guide, Zane Mirfin.
August Miscellany
Lost and….?
Spotted in Auckland’s burbs, last week: a child’s favourite bunny – tied firmly to a lamp post to make sure Big Ears returns home…
John Campbell Lives…
Bad news for the managerial clones at TV3: John Campbell’s spirit lives on.
Mt Eden’s Fight Club…
The recent news about the violence in Mount Eden Prison has many elements. Political, naturally; Labour will be pleased to have been given the opportunity to rub National’s nose in the troublesome policy of privatisation. The Prison Officers’ Union will be equally pleased to say I told you so.
A quiz: What do you know about growing old?
Each of us will have certain expectations about life as an older person. Our attitudes towards and knowledge of ageing can influence our desire and ability to plan ahead.
Take a quick quiz to find out – answer True or False?
A real MedicAlert …
An open letter from Murray Lord, CEO of MedicAlert NZ
“The completely avoidable death of Eunice Richardson is a major concern to MedicAlert® Foundation and to everyone I have spoken to on this matter.
Three cheers for Greece?
Before Euro-politics wandered into Alice in Wonderland territory, we asked if anybody else out there was quietly cheering for Greece as it took on the bullying bean counters of the IMF and the European Central Bank.
My Kingdom for a Commissioner…
When the government announced it was appointing a commissioner to take over the Southern DHB, it was signalling that enough was enough.
For sale – sort of
The old bloke lived in an equally ancient villa in Mt Albert. It was, like him, in need of loving care – or that’s what we felt when he opened the door, bewhiskered and a little dazzled by the sudden light.