Gun threat behind Brash talk ban
The social media comments that led to Massey University shutting down an event where former National MP and Reserve Bank governor Don Brash was due to speak have been revealed.
Brash was to speak at the event last night at Massey University’s Manawatu¯ campus as part of a series of political talks.
Newshub revealed a Facebook user posted a link to the event page with the caption, “This guy lol . . . if your [sic] up to nothing wensday [sic] head up to massey uni”.
The post was accompanied by two emojis, a red circle with a cross through it and a laughing face.
In response, another person commented, “Take a gun”.
The Massey University corporate communications director told Newshub the comments were “enough red flags to tip the balance” in the eyes of vice chancellor Jan Thomas.
Thomas scrapped the event over security concerns on Tuesday.
“It was a really tough decision, I don’t like making these sorts of decisions, but it was for the good of the community,” she told Larry Williams on Newstalk ZB.
Brash is scheduled to speak at the University of Auckland tonight.
On mayor’s pay rise
Mayor Phil Goff has received a pay rise of $5500. The Deputy Mayor gets $3000 and so it goes on. One must assume that the increases are to help the poor souls pay their newly inflated rates, water rates, petrol costs — that they voted for — and which everyone else has to meet from their existing incomes.
Dennis Ross, St Heliers.
On speaking ban
The only threat to life that Don Brash offers is that we all die of boredom.
Kevin Vaughan, Titirangi.
By preventing Don Brash from speaking, Massey University’s students it seems are not expected to think, but taught what to think. Kenneth Lees, Whanga¯ rei.
In case anyone has forgotten: “I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Roger Hall, Takapuna. Professor Jan Thomas,Vice Chancellor of Massey University, should be deported back to Australia on the grounds that she fails the good character test, insomuch that she does not uphold New Zealand's claimed adherence to the ideals of democracy and free speech. T.Miller, Birkenhead.
On columnist
This beef from Rachel Stewart about people walking in parks among cows is ridiculous. I walk through Cornwall Park among the cows most days and feel quite at home. I think I would feel much safer among a herd of cows than I would among a herd of Rachel Stewarts! Mike Jarman, One Tree Hill.
On honorifics
I wonder why some correspondents put “Dr” in front of their name when the subject of their letter is unrelated to their professional or academic status.It can only be a sense of self-importance. Jack Waters, Taupo¯ .