New Zealand Listener Issue 51 2018

It was easy to applaud the advent of #MeToo. The felling of atrocious tyrants, such as movie producer Harvey Weinstein and the drunken, groping New Zealand legal titans who were revealed as serial sex pests, was long overdue. There has been a welcome global consciousness-raising. But as this era of atonement for workplace bullying matures, its fine print is proving divisive. The recent inquiry into police Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha’s conduct and allegations against MP Maggie Barry show a lot of on the-job conflict is rather more nuanced and debatable than the headline #MeToo cases. Haumaha’s career was called into question because three staff in his unit didn’t like the way he spoke to them. A QC’s enquiry has found no evidence of bullying, but a robust leadership style. Barry stands accused…

Pattrick Smellie falls into the common trap of commentators on the real-estate market (“House of correction” December 8). He comments a lot about a city beginning with A, but not at all on cities beginning with W,C, D or T. Does this mean that the only economic interest is in the housing market in A, and that W, C, D and T are irrelevant? Certainly, the price of houses in A have been the focus of the A-centric media. But let’s not forget that there is another side of New Zealand (thankfully) whose citizens couldn’t give a flying f---about the price of real estate in A and only wish to enjoy life unencumbered by yet another revelation about the property ladder in A. Geoffrey Horne (Roseneath, W) ANTI SOCIAL MEDIA Bill Ralston provides reassurance that…

WINNING CAPTION Charles Anderson, Shannon FINALISTS Ivanka Trump: “It’s dyeing time again – you’re going to need me.” — Kevin Boyce, Raumati Beach The sulphur-crested cock establishing the pecking order. — Edith Macklin, Hastings Ivanka: “Don’t look now, but Mueller’s right behind you.” — Mike Lynch, Upper Hutt Donald Trump: “We’ve got to get this hongi thing right before Winston visits.” — Tony Clemow, Kamo Ivanka: “You have to take it on the chin, Dad.” — Ann Love, Nelson Lady and the Tramp – er, Trump. — Billie Harbidge, Herne Bay, Auckland Ivanka: “That’s a bit on the nose, Dad.” — Michael Smythe, Northcote, Auckland…

“I think of Europe as a hardcover book, America as the paperback version.”–Don DeLillo, quoted in the Week“The islands are moving 32cm closer every two years, or as we like to call it in Auckland, rush hour.”–comedian Jeremy Corbett“If someone’s trying to bring you down, it means they’re already beneath you.”–author Karen Salmansohn“You cannot worship the child in the manger while gassing the child at the border.”–unionist Maxine Gay“How can one man possess all the stupidity of mankind?”– The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah on Donald Trump“With all the people involved, the Mueller investigation can be hard to follow sometimes. It’s like Game of Thrones, but without the nudity, thank God.” – The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert“There are now only five living presidents: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack…

“My great-grandfather had disappeared – walked out of the family home in Kinsale County Cork and was never cited again …” WelCom, November 2018 “Currently we only have my late dad’s 35-year-old Masport mower, which I don’t think is going to cut it.” Stuff, 27/10/2018 The publication had been threatened by some individuals that they were being defamed … because they were worth more than the Rich List suggested, and in other cases they said they were worth less. Press, 18/8/18 Nudes not covered in beach rules Bay of Plenty Times, 21/9/18 “In the last two weeks I’ve been to Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and I’ve noticed, even in Auckland, you don’t see many bags, walking around.” NZ Herald, 13/4/18 LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND: Entries must describe New Zealand events. The first sender of those accepted will receive a $5 Booksellers…

1. Which of these actors has not played the role of Elizabeth I in film or on TV? ❑ Meryl Streep ❑ Cate Blanchett ❑ Helen Mirren ❑ Judi Dench 2. True or false? Afghan biscuits originated in New Zealand. ❑ True ❑ False 3. Which film was promoted with the tagline: “This is Benjamin. He’s a little worried about his future”? ❑ Trainspotting ❑ Risky Business ❑ The Graduate ❑ Private Benjamin 4. Which of these typically has the stronger concentration of fragrance? ❑ Eau de parfum ❑ Eau de cologne 5. Which of these was not a member of country supergroup The Highwaymen? ❑ Johnny Cash ❑ Willie Nelson ❑ Kris Kristofferson ❑ Garth Brooks 6. Which leader was nicknamed the Great Helmsman? ❑ Peter the Great ❑ Mao Zedong ❑ Abraham Lincoln ❑ Napoleon Bonaparte 7. In 1986, what did Otorohanga briefly change its name to, in support of a local business owner…