John Harnett

Guest writer

John Harnett is a freelance writer and a former staffer at four New Zealand daily newspapers. He also worked in London for the British Press Association, and in the press division at the Central Office of Information, the British Government’s information and marketing agency.

The nicknamed, clockwise from top left: Richard ‘Paddles’ Hadlee, Judith ‘Crusher’ Collins, Peter ‘Possum’ Bourne, Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford, Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie and Robert ‘Piggy’ Muldoon.

Pongo, Bonzo, Bubsy and Spud: A eulogy for the great New Zealand nickname

On playing fields, in classrooms and at workplaces across the country, the colloquial Kiwi nickname was once king. But now, writes John 'Nick' Harnett, those who go by a nickname are members of a dying breed.

By John Harnett | 10th February, 2017