Following the news that TVNZ is proposing to axe two of its most popular shows, Alex Casey tunes in for a reminder of what’s at stake.
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In typical Fair Go style, they tackled the issue head on. “Welcome to the show,” said Pippa Wetzell. “You have likely heard the news that TVNZ has proposed it will cut Fair Go from early May. So we want to say thank you, our viewers, for all of your messages of support. We are really, really grateful.” Standing solemnly next to her, co-host Garth Bray added that they have “fought for the underdog” for 47 years, and that won’t be something they give up lightly.
Over on Sunday, the news came at the very end of the hour-long broadcast. “As you know, it’s been a tough time at TVNZ with proposals which affect this show and others,” said host Miriama Kamo. “But we want to thank you for supporting us every week for more than 20 years.” It was a relatively restrained response to the “devastating” news that TVNZ are considering axing 68 jobs, and these two iconic local shows, among other brutal measures to cut costs.
Perhaps it speaks to the kaupapa and class of both series that they didn’t make a fuss. “As you know, Fair Go isn’t about us – it’s about you,” said Wetzell. “So let’s crack on with the show.”
What followed were two stories that spoke entirely to the purpose of consumer affairs stalwart Fair Go, and a near half century of sticking up for individuals against nameless, faceless, emotionless corporations. There was Rebekah Johnstone, who battled her insurer every step of her cancer treatment. Fair Go managed to get AIA’s chief medical officer to front up (“we love that”, reporter Gill Higgins added in a beautiful voiceover flourish), and commit to changing their policy as a direct result of the story.
There was also Kitty Sorenson, who was left gobsmacked after being turned away from her Sydney accommodation while on a trip in commemoration of her late husband. With the room originally booked under his name, the hotel refused to fulfill the booking without his ID, forcing her to book elsewhere and spend months struggling to get her refund back. “I had no option but to write to Fair Go. So that’s what I did,” said Sorenson. “I didn’t think that was a fair go.”
Finally, a classic Fair Go yarn about people having to change their personalised license plates because they have retrospectively been deemed offensive. Waiheke local Tony took umbrage with complaints over his OM number plate, plainly stating that it simply means “the underlying vibration of the universe”. Zac was given his offensive plate for his 16th birthday. “My dad’s Dad bought him NUTTER, and so he bought me NUTZAC,” says the mulleted young man, alarmingly moving me to tears with the sentiment.
Less light-hearted but equally as purpose-driven was Sunday’s latest episode, which delved deep into the spread of Caulerpa on the ocean floor. Heading out to the heart of the outbreak in Aotea, Conor Whitten interviewed business owners, experts and local iwi about the impact of the toxic algae on marine life, our food supply, and the economy. “This is the most serious marine incursion we’ve ever had,” said Professor Barry Scott. “And we are totally unprepared for it.”
Told over two parts of the show, nearly 20 minutes in length, there’s also ample room to place the issue in historic and global contexts too. We learn about similar devastating cases in California and Monaco, and Ngāti Rehua-Ngātiwai ki Aotea kaumatua Syd Davies draws a comparison to when iwi raised the flag about kauri dieback in 1972, decades before any government action was taken on it. “If they don’t do something about the Caulerpa, it’s going to be everywhere,” he said.
It’s a story symbolic of the in-depth reporting and skillful crafting that only a show like Sunday can do. If you had asked me before the segment, I would have guessed Caulerpa was the name of a local drag queen. But after a journey around the country and down to the bottom of the sea floor, I came away with a thorough understanding of what it is, how it spreads, and why it matters. To borrow a bleeped-out phrase from interviewee Blair Tuke – it’s fucked.
Next up on Sunday was a piece by Mava Moayyed about an event being put on by the NZSO to celebrate unity and peace, five years after the Christchurch mosque attacks. Centring musician Abdelilah Rharrabti, who narrowly missed bullets at Al Noor mosque, and artist Janna Ezat, who lost her son Hussein that day, it was a delicately-handled exploration of loss, healing and how those outside of the Muslim community are finding new ways to show their support.
With more duration, there’s also more room for nuance. NZSO principal flautist Bridget Douglas mused aloud about the early days of the project and the “uncomfortable” feelings around its conception. “Are we doing this for ourselves, to make ourselves feel better? Or are we doing this because we genuinely want to be part of a positive change in our society?” It’s not often you see an interview subject grapple with white saviour complex in prime time.
It’s impossible not to be moved by the story’s end, as Rharrabti takes the stage with the NZSO. The image of two different worlds coming together to make music, as with the engineers, iwi and scientists joining forces against Caulerpa in Aotea, certainly looks like the very best of New Zealand, and makes the looming absence of Sunday and Fair Go feel all the more stark. Both ended with a emphatic reminder for people to get in touch with stories, even via PO Box.
“Our programme is all about you, so please do get in touch,” said Bray. “We are still here to help,” added Wetzell.
Sunday airs 7.30pm Sundays on TVNZ1 and Fair Go at 7.30pm Mondays on TVNZ1