Seasoned journalist, Paul Henry, co host of New Zealand’s TVNZ breakfast TV seems to go from one gaff to another lately.
Fresh from his ‘Sheila Dikshit’ controversy, he has been forced to apologised to the New Zealand Governor-General over comments he made on the TVNZ Breakfast show.
In an interview with New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, discussing the impending appointment of a new Governor-General when the present post is vacated, Henry asked if Governor-General Anand Satyanand was
even a New Zealander
To clarify his comments Henry said:
Are you going to choose a New Zealander who looks and sounds like a New Zealander this time? Are we going to go for someone who is more like a New Zealander this time?
Sir Anand is New Zealand’s first Governor-General of Indian and Pacific descent. He was born and brought up in Auckland. His grandparents were born in India and had migrated to Fiji, from where his parents later moved to New Zealand.
Henry, well travelled and experienced in current affairs, is apparently very popular with most viewers. He’s known to say what others may be thinking but perhaps to polite to say.
In a statement Henry said
I sincerely apologise to the Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, for any offence I may have caused. I am aware that Sir Anand has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand. If my comments have personally offended Sir Anand, I regret it deeply.
Henry is a proud monarchist, and as such supports the role the Governor-General plays in New Zealand society.
The Prime Minister said
Anand Satyanand is not only a New Zealander, he is a very fine New Zealander.
Henry has raised the ire of the Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres, who said the implication of Henry’s comments seemed to be that
anyone of Indian or Asian descent cannot be a New Zealander and should not hold public office unless they look or speak like one
A member of his Breakfast show is rumoured to have resigned in protest at the way Henry conducted the interview, and the alleged racist tone that was evident in the questions.
[TVNZ]
Join Us in a Boycott of Progressive Enterprises (Foodtown, Woolworths, Countdown) until they agree to pull their sponsorship of the Breakfast show as long as Paul Henry is on the air. Join “Paul Henry Must Go” on Facebook. Take a stand against racism, homophobia, sexism, and just plain old ignorance on the airways! Email Progressive enterprises at customerinfo@progressive.co.nz and let them know that you refuse to spend your hard-earned dollars on groceries affiliated with racism!
Sample email. Send to: customerinfo@progressive.co.nz
Dear Progressive Enterprises – I normally shop at your stores. However, because of Paul Henry’s recent racist comments about Sir Anand, I have decided to boycott all Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown stores until Progressive Enterprises pulls its sponsorship of the Breakfast Show or until Paul Henry departs that show.
Regards,
Your Name Here
I will NOT shop at Foodtown, Woolworths or Countdown if Paul Henry leaves Breakfast! That’s around $500 per week!
Our family watches Breakfast on TVONE, every morning, because of Paul and his sense of humor and sharp mind.
Paul Henry has our undying support.
BRING BACK PAUL!!!!!
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