I'm a journalism student at Whitireia, and I'm currently working on a feature article about the relationship between the blogosphere in New Zealand and the development of public policy. I had a few questions I was hoping you might be able to help me with - and I'm happy to talk to you on or off the record.She has helpfully put all her contact details in a comment here, for those keen to be involved. I'm going to be getting in touch, although I'm not sure how much help I'll be!
Firstly, what kind of impact, if any, do you think the blogosphere had on the last election result? Do you think there are any particular issues/public policy bloggers have been most influential upon? And if so, how does that relationship work?
Secondly, I want to track a case example if possible - if you can think of one that has caught your eye, I'd love to hear it.
I'm happy to talk to you about this rather than email if it's more convenient for you, and I'm really keen to hear your thoughts, or hear of anyone else you think it might be useful for me to talk to.
Thanks,
Sandra (Luddite Journo for short)
And then there's Idiot/Savant's NZ Progressive Bills Project, which aims to provide some ideas and support for those wanting to put up progressive Member's Bills in the new Parliament. Might be worth considering working together on something around abortion, or is it just too risky to go there in this Parliament?
3 comments:
From hard survey work done by Alranz, it appears this parliament would unlikely to pass more progressive abortion legislation, but Alranz is cautiously hopeful that the Parliament is liberal enough that any attempts at regressive legislation could be stopped. The next event I know of on the abortion calendar is the May 12-13 High Court hearing in the endless Right to Life vs. Abortion Supervisory Committee case. Wonaac -- yes, it still exists -- is working on coming up with some activities surrounding the case/date, and is seeking advice from the blogosphere on what blogs, news sites, etc., on which any possible event/action could be promoted? If Hand Mirror readers have suggestions, Wonaac would be grateful. You can reach Wonaac at
ChoiceNZ@gmail.com
Readers might recall the ruling in this case by Justice Miller last June that "There is reason to doubt the lawfulness of many abortions authorised by certifying consultants." Parliament won't deal with abortion, leaving it up to women, doctors and judges. A judge could change the law, setting NZ women back decades -- this case could be, I think, a serious threat. And even if it turns out OK on the day, it's certainly cold comfort knowing we are one High Court Justice away from trips to Australia and the backstreet.
Thanks captiver, that is good information to know. I'll pop an email through to Wonaac, I suspect we'll be keen as beans to promote stuff. We did write rather a lot about abortion when the verdict came out, and subsequently, and I know there's at least one other post in draft awaiting an appropriate time to go up.
Further to this I had a chat with Sandra earlier in the week and she is great to talk to!
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