Waitangi tensions test politicians - and the media

In past years some media outlets were ambivalent about Waitangi Day - some even hostile at times. But new moves by the new government and a strong pushback from Māori gave it an extra edge this year. Some even called it historic and a possible turning point. How did the media depict all that?In past years some media outlets were ambivalent about Waitangi Day - some even hostile at times. But new moves by the new government and a strong pushback from Māori gave it an extra edge this year. Some even called it historic and a possible turning point. How did the media depict all that?Ten years ago the New Zealand Herald printed a raised white fist on its masthead along with the promise its Waitangi Day edition would be "protest-free".The Herald said that was the paper's own protest at other media focusing on protest. One year earlier, the Herald published a column by Paul Holmes calling it "our repugnant national holiday" in which he also branded protesters delusional "hateful, hate-fuelled weirdos".In 2016, Herald columnist and ZB radio host Mike Hosking declared there was "no point in celebrating . . . an annual ritual of abuse, anger and ignorance".Three years later in the Herald, Hosking deemed it "a highly niche outing" amounting to a "day of grievance".But this year, even after predictions of tension and protest, the Herald was more rosy on 5 February."There are challenges ahead but there is also room for optimism, hope . . . and humour," its front page said.That was the day political leaders made their speeches. And the next day - Waitangi Day - the Herald editorial declared: 'The theatre of Waitangi was wonderful'.It credited the PM for attending Rātana and also meeting iwi leaders before Waitangi "even though some might not like what he has to say".""But the thousands at Waitangi - including those marching in the hīkoi - show the level of opposition Luxon will face. This is where his hard work begins," the Herald added.The paper's front page headline featured the government's three leaders - and the headline: 'Up for the challenge?'The media had a challenge too: explaining and understanding the united front that formed among Māori in advance of commemorations - as well as what the politicians had to say.Winston Peters rose to the challenge on the paepae with what Stuff's Adam Dudding described as "a brief, angry spray", telling his critics to "stop the crap ... stop the hysteria"…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details