Devoy shuns local media

Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy is being labelled ‘undemocratic' in refusing to face up for interviews with local media on the muddying of this year's general election campaign.

Tauranga's own independently owned media outlet Sun Media was given the cold shoulder by the former squash champion in a request to provide comment on NZ First leader Winston Peters' controversial joke ‘two Wongs don't make a right'.

Dame Susan Devoy refused to provide comment or an interview to Sun Media.

The party leader made the comment while outlining a policy to crackdown on foreign ownership of NZ land at the party's campaign launch last Sunday.

SunLive put a request to the Human Rights Commission media department on Monday, at the same time the commissioner was appearing on television and online news, where she called the joke ‘shameful'.

However the request was denied as the Commission and Commissioner do not believe they would be given a 'fair go” in Sun Media publications due to comments made in an opinion editorial ‘Rogers Rabbits', by editor Brian Rogers, published in The Weekend Sun in June.

'Your newspaper's incredibly unbalanced and emotive editorials do not give Susan, nor us at the Commission any faith that she, or the Commission would get a fair go from The Sun.” – Race Relations Commission response to request for an interview.

The tongue-in-cheek editorial referred to, talked about the Geographic Board's introduction of macrons, used in te reo to pronounce Maori words, on the word of Tauranga suburb Otumoetai. Read the full Rogers Rabbits here.

In response to the editorial published in the free weekly paper delivered to households across the Bay of Plenty, the commission sent a letter to the editor on behalf of Dame Susan Devoy outlining 'disappointment and concern” over the use of language in the editorial.

'I understand your opinion – don't agree, but understand it – but why all the profanity? ‘arselets', ‘dick', ‘dicks', ‘stupid little dick'.

'I know you're trying to be funny but really, is this an editorial? It sounds more dictatorial, perhaps given your choice of language, even janitorial.

'Spelling words properly isn't about being politically correct, it's about spelling and pronouncing them properly, correctly and without errors.” – excerpt from the Letter to Editor.

Read the full Letter to the Editor here.

The letter sent by the commission was subsequently published in full in The Weekend Sun.

NZ First leader Winston Peters says the issue is over whether the commissioner received complaints about the editorial, as in Winston's case she had not.

'The real point is what complaints did she receive about the editorial?”

'In my case she responded without any complaint being received by her, and frankly I'm not going to stand back and have some superficial, narrow judgement being made by any of the Crown, which she is, and think we are going to leave it at that.

'She cannot sustain her statement, she's talking absolute nonsense and when a Chinese man tells me the joke and thinks it's funny I'm entitled to repeat it.”

Winston condemned comments made by the commissioner, which were sent via email in a statement to SunLive.

The Commissioner said: 'politicians making fun of an entire race of people isn't new but it's disappointing and shameful New Zealand political leaders are still doing it in 2014”.

'We're better than this and our political leaders need to realise that,” said Dame Susan.

'We have come a long way as a nation in terms of people treating each other with respect but sadly we have some people who just don't get it and who don't want to get it.”

'Winston Peters needs to know he's not funny. His outdated rhetoric belongs in New Zealand's past: It has no place in New Zealand's future.”

Winston Peters told SunLive the joke was told to him on a trip to Beijing by a Chinese man, who believed the joke was funny.

'I was the guest of the Chinese Government at the time, about two or three months ago, I'm not going to stand aside while someone who doesn't know what they are talking about rushes to judgement.

'We need a deeper, more learned judgement than that. If she wants to have a debate about it I'm happy to go on television. This is not the final word.”

When asked about the response from the Commission to not provide an interview to Sun Media, Winston says opinion editorials are there to make people think, and many times people don't agree.

'But at least they [the commission] should be able to justify is the number of times they have made comment in the past on what the editorials may have said; and if the answer is nil then frankly ostracising you [Sun Media] while talking to other media is simply not acceptable.”

Sun Media editor Brian Rogers says the Commission's decision not to be interviewed by Sun Media is discrimination from the country's anti-discrimination office.

'Susan and her commission have had every chance to have a say in our publications. Their views have been published freely but they're trying shut down freedom of speech and expression.”

Brian says there was a huge backlash from The Weekend Sun readers to Dame Susan's attitude in her letter to the editor.

'That is not a judgement from the Sun Media newsroom but the real response from the public.”

Tauranga Independent MP Brendan Horan says it is important media and public figures are treated fairly and evenly.

'Although that often doesn't happen, and I can attest to that, refusing to grant an interview as the Commissioner has done - has done her no service.

'In public office there is a responsibility to respond to reasonable media requests.”

Sun Media wrote a response to the Commission outlining the editorial was simply an opinion editorial based on the views of one editor, not an entire company and its readership.

A second request for interview was also turned down.

'The Weekend Sun has a dominant readership base in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, and an excellent reputation. It gives many view points, some I agree with and some I don't, it's called democracy,” says Horan.

'I urge our Race Relations Commissioner to reconsider and grant the interview.”

Requests for comment from Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, Prime Minister John Key and other opposition leaders were not responded to.

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37 comments

sheer arrogance !

Posted on 15-08-2014 09:53 | By ow

Was susan this arrogant on the squash court ? at the very least she should be able to explain the reason behind her views whatever they may be or else get another job.


Failure to front up

Posted on 15-08-2014 10:22 | By YOGI BEAR

It is her job to front up, it is part of the job, obviously her pre-decided ideas and motives are at conflict with the vast majority of locals so she hides from reality so holding on to the desire ideas and prejudices. Sadly this department will protect her so she feels "right", best option here is that she resigns.


Dame or Damsel in distress!!!

Posted on 15-08-2014 10:32 | By Sambo Returns

Susan you used to have some of my respect, not anymore, this is something I would expect from Mr Putin, not your government funded department, if you do not believe in democracy or freedom of speech, what are you holding such an esteemed position for, for me your departments reaction to an editorial piece by "Mr Rabbits" is so over the top it is ridiculous, either lighten up or get out of the chair you are in, this sort of dense inane reaction by your staff will backfire!!!!!, playing squash was one thing, trying to squash peoples opinion is another, and I am sure you would have got the right to reply and even a chance to look at the story before it was printed, my question to your department would be who the hell do you think you are?, you are the Race Relations Conciliator not god!!!.


Is this job a political appointment?

Posted on 15-08-2014 11:06 | By Phailed1

About time we knew if the good Dame is a swinging voter or in fact if she is or was a National Party stalwart? Perhaps the Sun could take a look into that. I've had enough of working my backside off to make ends meet and then see jobs handed out like race relations commissioner. How many hundred thousand dollars a year does it pay? How many overseas junkets a year occur? We don't need a race relations commission, but the ability to recognise and appreciate humour would go a long way.


Get a real job.

Posted on 15-08-2014 12:06 | By Theway

Looks like cracks are starting to appear in her ivory (is that color racist?)tower! Does anyone know how much this public servant is on?


Comedy Commissioner

Posted on 15-08-2014 13:17 | By mutley

Dame Susan is not up to the job. I don't believe that she has the intellectual or intestinal fortitude to handle a real race relations crisis if and when it happens. She certainly is not charged by the Government to be the arbiter of what is funny and what is not. Arrogance and dogmatic behaviour like this are symptomatic of a person struggling to do the job.


OW

Posted on 15-08-2014 13:19 | By YOGI BEAR

Yes she was and very vocal about it also.


Rastus

Posted on 15-08-2014 13:43 | By rastus

All of the above is legitimate criticism as far as I am concerned - if being good at sport is the qualification needed for high office then I would be saying Valerie for PM. It's all rubbish and I cannot think why we put up with it - lets just ignore her and hopefully she will fade away!


Devoy earns

Posted on 15-08-2014 13:44 | By nerak

around $200k a year, apparently, nice work if you can get it, even better if you can earn it, by doing right by those who pay you. This thing has blown way out of proportion, all because poor little Susan got her knickers in a knot, and somewhere in the knot her sense of humor got strangled. Agree with others, time she stepped down. Why don't we all email the Commission, infoline@hrc.co.nz and let them know we are not happy.


It isn't easy...

Posted on 15-08-2014 14:11 | By morepork

Most of us are sensitive to Racism and aware of the malevolence it hides. "Political Correctness" started in an effort to try and eradicate it by force (which can never work; you have to change people's minds about their bigotry, you can't legislate it out of existence.) But the pendulum has really swung too far and it is Editorials like "Roger's Rabbits" that can help to remind us that, although it is important to employ PC, it shouldn't be a grim, humourless business. Common sense must prevail. There was no malice in Winston's comment and there is never malice in Brian Rogers Editorials. So, where does that leave Susan Devoy? Is this sometime world class sportswoman such a fragile little flower that she must be protected from journalists who might not toe her party line? Her Office should be GLAD to engage in debating a very important issue.


And another thing...

Posted on 15-08-2014 14:24 | By morepork

To say that you won't give an interview because you "won't get a fair go" is really quite outrageous. "Fair go" is a fundamental Kiwi ethic. There is no evidence of Sun Live NOT reporting both sides of an issue, even if the Editor makes his personal opinion known through his column,(as is his right). . If you don't think you'll get a fair go, make sure the interview is videoed and then everyone can see what was said and by whom. No chance for it to be mis-reported; you can have it on YouTube within minutes to set the record straight... If the Office Susan holds is to be seen as anything more than just a sinecure, she MUST be prepared to be public in the promotion and prosecution of her position and duty. If you only want support and agreement, you should debate with a mirror...


Give It Away

Posted on 15-08-2014 14:52 | By Jitter

It's time Susan Devoy (Dame or not) resigned from the position of Race Relations Commissioner. Every comment she has made in the media makes her look like someone who doesn't have a clue about the job she is supposed to be doing. Give a miss Susan and let someone with at least some clues a chance to do the job properly. She was good at squash but not at this job. Perhaps it is her advisors who are making her look a clown ?


yes

Posted on 15-08-2014 15:45 | By CC8

Ow ...yes she always was up herself. How winning a minor sport qualifies her as a race relations commissioner is beyond the realm of reason. She has been accused of racism herself, in the past...I guess that she writes a column for the other local (second rate) newspaper says something too.


Good on you Susan

Posted on 15-08-2014 16:29 | By maildrop

No point wasting your breath on bigoted idiots like Roger Rabbit (so not funny) and The Sun. It's only good for drying out my wet shoes. It's an uphill battle for poor susan trying to educate some of the most insular people in the world.


Race Relations

Posted on 15-08-2014 16:48 | By sangrae

I too had the deepest respect for Dame Susan once but my enthusiasim is starting to wane. her excuses do not add up but I suppose being a National Govt. appointment she like the rest of them are only aloud to comment when they have approval from our dictatorial Prime Minister.


Race Relations???????

Posted on 16-08-2014 00:51 | By crazyhorse

Showing her "true colours". I wonder how many people know Joris de Bres is still employed in a"race" relations position, only for "GUIDANCE". Go Sue.


SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on 16-08-2014 12:49 | By Sambo Returns

Mr/Mrs maildrop, either I take your posting as a "tongue cheek" opinion, or you are as hypocritical as Susan, you are okay to go on the Sunlive website and read and comment on what you want, but condemn the Week End Sun paper, how do you figure that?, if you have that much distaste for what the team at Sun Media do, log off, or ring them, and I am sure the paper will stop being delivered, and live with wet shoes.


Maildrop thank SunLive

Posted on 16-08-2014 14:52 | By crazyhorse

For giving a media platform that actually publishes what NZER'S think. Very few newspapers, paper or online are prepared to put out there what people "really" think, it is not SunLive or it's readers who are "insular" but people like you who talk about ""educating us""what, in the way you think?, the other newspapers around NZ don't print letters sent into them from people who don't agree with whats happening around the country, now thats insular! pretend there is no problem till "boom," it blows up in your face. Devoy is making a fool of herself up and down the country, I would love for SunLive to interview her 1st question. On February 5,did you Dame Susan write a newspaper column saying Waitangi Day has been hijacked by political shenanigans and should be replaced with another national holiday. Then in July 2011,complain about muslims wearing burqa, "realllllly!!!" Maildrop.


@maildrop

Posted on 17-08-2014 12:04 | By morepork

You do realize that your position on the "wrong" side of the fence was not censored or blocked by Sunlive? You are being given a "fair go" exactly as Susan's office says she won't be. I'm glad to see your post and read your opinion, even though I vehemently disagree. I guess I need more "education" from you, see, I actually find the Sun Live Editorials, at worst, amusing, and at best, brilliant... "Those without a sense of humour are at the mercy of the rest of us."


maildrop

Posted on 21-08-2014 01:03 | By YOGI BEAR

I respect the fact that you have your opinion, but it would be really helpful if at some point you included the known facts. I believe Roger Rabbits is got it sorted perfectly so support what he said, even though media massaged and some.


Maildrop,

Posted on 22-08-2014 10:01 | By robin bell

a bit harsh on Sunlive,but spot on with the rest.Crazy/murkin constantly seeks to re educate yet would deny you the same right.He still can't get it through,why mainsream media won't have a bar of his racist,divisive dishonesty.Yogi bore talks constantly of 'facts' having never produced any.Dame Susans job is to head off such prejudice,hence her current fall from grace in these columns.The same people heralded her appointment with phrases like 'at last one of our own'remember? As for morepork,he seeks to intellectualize,rationalize,and legitamize his obvious prejudice. Winston Peters was not joking,but took the opportunity to 'impress' his dwindling greypower support.The phrase was first used by an Australian polly in justifying the then whites only immigration policy.Dame Susan is correct,it belongs in the past.Maildrop,welcome to the 'wong'side of the fence,its great. Robin Bell.


Well ding ding Robin

Posted on 23-08-2014 15:15 | By Crash test dummies

Rambling on dude does not help. Simple fact here she is paid by taxpayers, she is answerable to taxpayers, end of story. She needs to front up, answer questions, be accountable. If that is to much then get out.


FRONT UP TO SUNLIVE

Posted on 24-08-2014 11:42 | By crazyhorse

Jaffa????, answer questions, be accountable. Devoy like the people she promotes is terrified of "fronting" up, telling the 'truth', providing the "facts' that support her treatment of the other 85% of NZER'S, even the culturally hypnotised apologist Bell stays away from talking about the Dame actually being asked a "few" questions by SunLive would not be productive to an "APARTHEID" NEW ZEALAND!.


A dude rambling on,

Posted on 26-08-2014 10:14 | By robin bell

jaffa.Applies to all in these columns,old fruit. Yet again crazy/murkin tries to portray himself and like extremists as victims. Yet again drawing his racist line in the sand i.e. 85% v 15%.Yet again subjecting all to his parrotry on apartheid. Humour is best aimed at oneself,Mrs Browns Boys,Miranda,Billy.T. etc. Come to think of it,I don't recall crazy and co. poking fun at themselves,nor good old Winny,for that matter. I wonder,why? Pardon me,Ive got to go look for my Kilt and Bagpipes. Culturaly Hypnotised indeed,What an idiot you are crazy. Robin Bell.


HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA

Posted on 26-08-2014 14:48 | By Kiwigal

That's what I think of the role of a Race Relation Commissioner - a JOKE of a position. Race Relation Commission should be abolished!


If Dame Susan

Posted on 26-08-2014 22:43 | By Fonzie

wanted to get her teeth into something other than Wongs and wrights and macrons and the like there is down in the eastern BOP a real race relations issue seven years in the making the James Takamore body snatching case but she won't and most of us know why


Robin

Posted on 27-08-2014 09:42 | By YOGI BEAR

I agree Robin 'jaffa” does apply to all. The crazyed syndrome of Auckland is not being heeded and now.polluting all. The obvious, separating people into different groups then providing privilege is not a good look, it's just a matter of time before trouble follows. The current moves are falling into this trap. We are looking at a 93% v 7% split here with special handouts for all kinds of crazed things and in all sorts of forms and disguises. Yet again this has the look of apartheid gaining momentum under the guise of indigenous heritage somehow. It's.widely.acknowledged.that there.is.little.basis.but.the.barrow.keeps rolling. Billy T was great, pointed and poked the stick at everyone, sadly even he was chastised, funny world! You get your Kilt/Bagpipes much more seriously as it's a large portion of your heritage, it's just that thre's no money coming from the Scotts.


Kiwigal

Posted on 27-08-2014 09:43 | By YOGI BEAR

Agreed on that, just a title office space and creates nothing of any use to anyone.


SEND SUE A MESSAGE @

Posted on 27-08-2014 13:13 | By crazyhorse

infoline@hrc.co.nz tell her what you think, this was mine. I would like to complain about the race relations commissioners comments on SunLive, to use her position to "push" her personnel views is not acceptable. Sunlive is one of the few media platforms that publish what K1W1'S really think. K1W1'S live in New Zealand not Aotearoa, have children not mokopuna, where as the Dame seems to have a major problem with that. The race relations commission is for all New Zealanders, not to be mistaken for another "tool" for the treatyists and their "industry", unfortunately just like her predecessors she is more interested in NZ becoming an apartheid state, mind you it will be hard to beat Joris de bris likening K1W1'S to Taliban, you are a disgrace!!!. I would like to lodge a formal complaint, I know it's your job to see I am able to do this.


I've sent my message,

Posted on 27-08-2014 21:30 | By robin bell

crazy/murkin.It goes as follows.Dear Dame Susan,keep up the good work.Don't be fooled by false accusations and claims from some. They are a rank minority,who hide under the symbolic hoods,pseudonyms.People who constantly distort the truth and stoop to insult,to satisfy their prejudice.Once the injustice of the past,is dealt with,we can all move on and enjoy the diversity our country offers.Your position,can never negate your right to express your personal opinion,and you are not answerable to nameless creeps,but then you already know that eh!....Thanks for the address crazy one. Robin Bell.


BIGGEST

Posted on 28-08-2014 10:33 | By crazyhorse

And Robin Bell regurgitates it yet again. {.Once the injustice of the past,is dealt with,we can all move on and enjoy the diversity our country offers}. It is an industry fueled completely by the New zealand tax payers, Maori have created a separate system, society for them selves, pray tell Bell, who payes for this and if the "grievance" industry ground to a halt where would the money come to support this ever changing ever wanting ever blaming separatist society???. It's human nature, if you have a gov't that will give you billions of dollars every year your not going to stop asking are you Bell, hey who would. The waitangi tribunal was supposed to last 10 years, hey 30 years later going strong, coming up with something new every week. The number of grievances claimed 1882 was 9 in 2009 claims climbed to 2125, THINK ABOUT IT CAMPERS.http://www.nzcpr.com/key-govts-1-2b-treaty-settlements-record/


Emails not answered

Posted on 29-08-2014 13:25 | By Mary Faith

I have sent several emails to 'Sue' regarding the inequality between Maori and non-maori in regards to health, education, justice - and so on, you name it! She has never once replied to any of my questions!


At last MaryFaith,

Posted on 29-08-2014 14:51 | By robin bell

you acknowledge the inequality between Maori and most non Maori.Maori,top of the list in poor health,top of the list in poor education,top again in numbers jailed.Things are slowly changing,thanks to government concern,and your willing contribution.I think you will find, Dame Susan already knows this,and doesn't need your assistance at this time. Robin Bell.


You are doing it again Robin...

Posted on 30-08-2014 17:01 | By groutby

Always turning such comments into a Maori issue and such things.I tend to align myself with crazyhorse on such I will call 'radical" comments, but look, as whiteys who saved Maori from certain demise (either by tribal war,disease or eating each other (or all), would like to confirm how privelidged we are to live alongside as one people and we are.. (sorry Robin I know the mere thought upsets you so), however, as to your comments: Poor maori health..equal healthcare and far more than "yooz honkeys"get..so really take a look at yourselves and decide which direction you are heading, and Education?..same deal really personal choices, do we all want to go down the modern pass of success?..or stay in the "easy lane" and make non-achievement a standard for Maori. Robin, seriously can you agree much work is being done and taxpayer money being spent with little achievement being made?


I'm doing it again groutby.

Posted on 01-09-2014 08:43 | By robin bell

good to see you back.You make the usual mistake in 'debating' i.e. telling 'fibbies'.I never ever use childish terms like 'yoos honkies' or the 'N' word.I leave such language to you. Your claim that we,saved Maori from themselves is patently untrue.In fact by the time 'we' arrived, Maori numbered between 100,000 to 150,000. They had increased in number from a few hundred in 1240 undermining your hypothesis,which of course is based on ignorance. After 'we' introduced guns everything changed,as it did in our own culture. Robin Bell.


Groutby

Posted on 01-09-2014 12:16 | By YOGI BEAR

You got that right mate, Robins off on a rails again. I hope soon that he will be able to include the inconvenient truth of NZ history some dey soon


@ Robin Bell

Posted on 12-09-2014 16:28 | By YOGI BEAR

Agree with you, yes Maori are at the top of the polls for many things, glad that at last you have now accepted that, so that means there is apartheid in New Zealand right? It is Government funded right?


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