Shadbolt’s exile a dangerous, ill-advised gamble

Hyperbole alert. We’ve bitten our collective tongues for long enough.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt’s continued refusal to talk to his local newspaper threatens his credibility – and even his own relevance – while reinforcing claims that the well-travelled showman has lost touch with his council and his voters.

Shadbolt internet’s latest cyberspace cadet

It’s 2010 – and embattled Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt’s opening gambit is to head to cyberspace.

Attractive meter maids in illegal top-up shock

Southern drivers are this morning urged to top-up their own parking meters after an unexpected claim that it’s illegal for others to do them the favour.

Unionists grip downtown Invercargill

Worker dissatisfaction has hit new highs as bargaining falters for an unprecedented number of collective contracts, a long-time Invercargill unionist says.

Service and Food Workers Union organiser Barbara Anderson was among about 120 chanting and placard-waving  workers protesting wage freezes and stalled contract talks in Invercargill this afternoon.

Southland Times journalists strike

Southland Times journalists are on strike to protest stalled collective contract talks. (story updated here)

Sources say the Times’ editorial floor is this morning staffed by non-unionised managers, a junior reporter and an intern.

You scratch my back… I’ll advertise in your paper

The seemingly cosy relationship between The Southland Times and the Invercargill City Council appears to be getting cosier.

With Tim, we get what we ask for (WARNING: Contains fat sentences)

This Mayor Tim v Deputy Mayor Neil + councillors + council management + the Southland Times + bloggers + the Rest of the World conspiracy thing just keeps on giving. And tonight, for readers who think we’re down on Tim, we’ll give you 1000-odd words on it.

Shadbolt Sideshow Driving to Distraction

Tim Shadbolt’s thrown his toys and the Southland Times has dug its heels in a scrappy sideshow that’s been a long time coming. And we reckon we’ll all have to keep our wits about us in a “war” that’ll probably only get murkier.  

You drove into this one, TVNZ

An item on TVNZ’s 20/20 programme has had a potentially embarrassing sequel that’s got us all hot and bothered about chequebook journalism and basic journalistic honesty.

Tight-head red-necks?

We reckon Maori Television should have a crack at buying the rights to broadcast the 2011 Rugby World Cup. There, we’ve said it.