The Post

TWTWTW – That Was The Week That Was

- Eric Janssen Editor, The Dominion Post

Many of our readers will remember satirical television programme That Was the Week That Was, largely taking a pop at politician­s, which featured on the BBC in the 1960s.

Now, as we enter week two of the lockdown, it seems fair to do a modern TWTWTW – but the only ones to shame are the idiots who believe their personal freedom, pleasures and pastimes transcend Covid-19 bubble rules.

What a week it’s been – and normality seems far more distant than just seven days ago.

With the media deemed an essential business during the lockdown, our reporters and visual journalist­s have been out there – at a safe distance – covering the many, many stories to emerge. Articles of incredible hardship, of kindness, of innovation, of sadness, of shopping madness, of confusion, of calmness, of concerns. And more articles on financial fears, the emotional toll, of loneliness, on rediscover­ing old-school joys, of highs and lows while working from home, and of using technology to keep life as normal as possible.

Just as we serve up the updates and numbers from daily press conference­s, so we will continue delving into the human stories in this strange, discombobu­lated world – looking at personal cases of delight and despair, of looking after our wha¯ nau and friends, and of how our towns, cities and country

might look once Covid-19 is deemed history.

Nobody’s life is just like it used to be – many work harder than ever, many have no work to go to. Our streets have become quiet,

our houses noisier.

Yes, a lot of it has led to pain. But, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern keeps saying, the alternativ­e is simply too awful to contemplat­e. So please play your part and follow the rules.

It’s too early to say when part or full normality will return, but Stuff and The Dominion Post will keep you informed and entertaine­d. And in a few weeks from now, we’ll write TWTWTW.

Stay safe, stay home, stay kind.

 ?? KEVIN STENT, ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF ?? Usual Wellington hot spot Courtenay Place is deserted on a wet Friday night in lockdown; right, public servants Luis Carrasquei­ro, left, and Bella Anastasiou converse two metres apart outside the Beehive.
KEVIN STENT, ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF Usual Wellington hot spot Courtenay Place is deserted on a wet Friday night in lockdown; right, public servants Luis Carrasquei­ro, left, and Bella Anastasiou converse two metres apart outside the Beehive.
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