Mary Hobbs: Our beloved country – illusions laid bare

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall… think of it, always. — Mahatma Gandhi

In earlier decades New Zealanders seemed far more relaxed as they cruised through life. It was a time of no internet – yes, the ancient times! – and less government and local council interference. Overall, we revelled in celebrating what it was to be Kiwi.

Nick Clark: Time to modernise New Zealand’s gene technology rules

It is hard to believe today, but a TV interview about genetic modification (GM) once upended an election campaign. That interview cast a long shadow over the use of GM in New Zealand.

For those too young to remember, in July 2002, just a few weeks before a general election, Prime Minister Helen Clark was interviewed by TV3’s John Campbell. It was a fiery encounter. Campbell, citing an impending book by Nicky Hager, Seeds of Distrust, alleged that GM corn had been accidentally released into New Zealand’s food supply and the incident covered up.

Clark was blindsided by Campbell’s questioning and was visibly angry. Afterwards, she referred to him as a ’little creep’. ‘Corngate’ was born.