OPINION: We can disagree profoundly with someone like David Gaughan without trying to put him out of business
From columnist Verity Johnson: Middle NZ was asked whether it cared enough about cancel culture to stop supporting a local boozer and beer brand whose owner wrote a racist Facebook post calling Māori the "scurge of society". Apparently, it doesn’t.
That’s not to say it necessarily agreed with the appalling comments – many of them openly said that they didn’t. Rather they just didn’t think cancelling the brewery was justified. Especially after Eagle Brewing owner Dave Gaughan’s apology.
The disgusting, heartbreaking part of all this is that cancel culture used to be called boycotting. Boycotting was one of few effective weapons of the genuinely disenfranchised. It was the furious, white-hot fire that forged real revolutions from Rosa Parks to Gandhi.
Until we stole it. We took it off the streets, into the wine bars, and disembowelled it. Ripped out its heart and teeth. Death by gentrification. Gaughan’s not the only one who should apologise.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
77.4% Yes
-
22% No
-
0.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.