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Opinion: It’s amazing how the media can squirm when the tables are turned.
While most journalists live by the rule of “don’t shoot me I’m only the messenger,” the spin they put on a story makes the difference to whether you come out looking like a champion or a chump.
The media are fascinating specimens and have a view that it’s OK for them to take pot shots at us or whoever they have in their sights. But they scream like banshees when they are the ones under enemy fire.
That’s why the spat between my mate John Tamihere and journalist Matt Nippert has me fascinated.
Nippert, who works for the Fairfax stable reported the civil court case involving JT and businessman Brent Ivil.
Last month the case was heard before Justice Pamela Andrews, who has reserved her decision.
That basically means the concerned parties are not able to comment until that judgment is released it’s what is called subjudice.
But Nippert is under the impression that doesn’t apply to him or this case and after repeated requests for comments from JT, the Board Chair, Board Members and anyone who would take his call, claims Waipareira are the ones stonewalling him.
So when a second story appeared from Nippert clearly questioning JT and Waipareira’s integrity, JT decided it was time to take affirmative action.
He turned the tables on Nippert and had him photographed outside his home then placed the photos on to the Waipareira, Radio Waatea and Radiolive websites.
Now I hear Nippert is annoyed with that? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Naturally I will always stick up for JT not just because we are mates but because he and I are similar in our visions and our desire to improve things for our people.
And like me, he is aware that having a public profile means we are under constant scrutiny.
But Nippert’s line of questioning, and holier than thou assumptions, is what got up JT’s nose.
His query as to whether it was proper and appropriate for an organisation like Waipareira to even make investments smacked of what does this bunch of Maoris know about looking after money.
His view appears to be that if you are a government-funded organisation like Waipareira, they would be better served burying its cash in the backyard, and leaving the investment game to the big players.
For your information Nippert, Waipareira is in a very strong financial position and the investment they made with the Whanau Centre in Henderson, is already realising major returns. The Trust is debt free, but I suppose that doesn’t make for a good headline.
Maori lose millions of taxpayers money would make a bigger splash then Trust financially strong.
Come on Nippert, get off JT’s case.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd
