All Episodes

February 15, 2022 1 min
Who do you reckon is winning the PR war when it comes to this protest at parliament? 
As another group sets up camp in Christchurch, you get the sense there is an element of momentum, and if not momentum, certainly a resolute determination to hold their ground. 
The media seem all over the place. Some are acquiescing to the speaker's request not to interview people, while others ignore him. So, we are not sure whether the protestors are vermin and rabble or regular New Zealanders just wanting to have their voice heard. 
I am getting a lot of text messages, so clearly there is an overt campaign going on. They're all good guys apparently and it's as clean as a whistle on the grounds, not a bad word is being said and the media are scum. By now you know the stuff. 
But the media are also good with theory it seems. 
They told us on Friday the weather apparently was going to send them home over the weekend. But clearly it didn’t 
Yesterday they were reporting the sun was getting to the protestors.   
It's an astonishing triple skill some of these journos have - as well as reporting they are good at meteorology and psychology as well. 
We got reports of the abuse being handed out to those ticketing cars, we have the upset of the businesses that can't operate and we have the politicians seemingly in lockstep over the lack of chats. 
Luxon has more security, presumably because he needs it. 
Mallard has no real regrets about being a pillock and Jacinda has gone to her classic play book line of "its nothing to do with me". 
So where are we at? 
Like most things it's not as black and white as any one story or claim. 
I have no doubt there are some half decent people there, the same way I have no doubt there are some buffoons and trouble makers. 
I have no doubt there is a representation of a wider mood among many of us who see a lot of stuff that is going badly wrong in this country. 
I am convinced that not talking to them is a political mistake. 
I am convinced the police were asleep at the wheel and let the opportunity to sort it sooner slip. 
Most importantly, I have no idea how it ends. 
I do know that it won't change anything. 
So it may be a standoff if the politicians keep ignoring them and those with little else to do hunker down with the long haul. 
Like so many of life's complexities, there seem no winners.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.