We just want to clarify a couple of things; we have nothing against Ian Wishart, and have read and enjoyed a number of his books. We're not calling for book burnings or witchhunts; we're merely suggesting that people vote with their wallets.
Neither do we endorse some of the more extreme comments made on the Facebook page. But they are understandable; five years after the death of the twins, there is still anger that no-one has, or in all likelihood will be held responsible. Given that an inquest into their death is still proceeding, it's far, far too soon for the publication of a book telling one side of the story.
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Ian Wishart is about to publish a book on the murder of the Kahui twins. That in itself is not particularly bad; it's a case which both shocked and intrigued the nation.
What IS bad is that this book will be Macsyna King's version of events, as told to Wishart. We reckon that goes way beyond the pale. King gave evidence against Chris Kahui at Kahui's trial for the twins' murder; evidence that cannot have been accepted by the jury, because Kahui was acquitted on all charges. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that she was in some wasy involved herself, although we're unlikely to find that out from her tell-all expose.
There is a new site on Facebook today - Boycott the Macsyna King Book. We've clicked the "like" button; when we did that, there were around 1300 followers. In about two hours that number has more than doubled; as we type this the page has attracted 2723 followers. If y ou're on Facebook, we urge you to do as we have done, and send a message to Ian Wishart that this book is a bridge too far.
Wishart claims to have asked all the tough questions and come to a conclusion. Without saying in as many words that Kahui was the killer he said on radio this morning that the police "prosecuted the right person". A High Court jury did not agree with him. Now he is going to try and relitigate the case based on the story told to him by someone with a very vested interest, both in protecting her own reputation, and vilifying the father of the chidren, her former partner.
Some stories should not be told. Macsyna King's is one.
19 comments:
Unbelievable. Witchsniffing and burning next? Read the book, then judge the evidence.
Juries reach verdicts based on how much doubt a good lawyer can throw up. Are you arguing a court verdict is the final, real arbiter of fact?
Ian, INV2 is not an evidenced based person. Belief is his calling card. But then so is yours am I correct? So you two can squabble over your immutable 'rightness' about everything. Good night and good riddance.
Sorry Ian; this is one of your books that I won't be reading. Kahui can't be tried again, so what's the point now?
I wouldn't read this book if you gave it to me but I find the call for a boycott based on someone's unsupported opinion disgusting - to the point where I agree with Wishart's comparison of witch burning.
If you need to form an opinion at least read ALL the evidence first - then lynch the slag.
@ Tinman; Iv'e read a number of Ian Wishart's books, even reviewing one of them for him. I won't be reading this one. If the evidence that he has is so compelling, why wasn't it given to the police when Kahui was tried?
I'm not advocating "witchsniffing and burning" as Ian so colourfully puts it (and he's just made similar comments on a TV interview, nor do I agree with many of the comments being left of the Facebook site. I'd far rather though that this whole saga was put to bed, and that the twins could rest in peace; peace they never knew in their short lives.
Disgusting! Even if she didn't do the evil deed, she still neglected and gave not a toss for her lovely twin babies. Why give her oxygen? Guilty by association, by being a mum sho couldn't care less.
What does she care. Sha still has her life. No consicous, but her life. There's even that chance that she's guilty. Friggin outrageous.
Crazy old world!
Suggestion for Ian Wishart...
Why don't you write a book telling the story from the victims' point of view?
....Oh...wait...
I have to go with Ian on this one, I2. I believe King has as much right to tell her story as the next person and Ian has as much right to publish it.
Kahui can't be tried again, so letting King air her story does him no harm except in reputation. He would be at liberty to sue her for defamation, or sue Ian for libel, but I seriously doubt he (kahui) would go there.
I, for one, will probably read the book, despite thinking that King is not the most reliable of witnesses. Despite the left's customary vilification of Ian, he has a good head for evidence. If he thinks there is a story here, there probably is.
I agree with you on the last bit MacDoc; Wishart has written some excellent books. The timing of this one though is all wrong IMHO.
Horrendous - they (the tight 12) are all as guilty ss each other. For goodness sake - give that family no more air time and let the babies rest in peace. Their mother is as culpable as anyone - delaying seeking medical treatment when both boys were clearly critically unwell. I personally think they all should have been charged.
Come on Ian - we can do better than this!
Agreed, it's just absolutely in the worst taste possible. Macsyna King had the chance to tell her side of things in court.
Agree with the commenter above, they are both at fault; horrible neglect and maltreatment, right from day one of their lives.
Kahui got off in my view because of the media circus surrounding him; but King is not exactly innocent either. And to think that justice is shut out from this case. OH, the land of beauty.
I've read most of Ian's books and have found them well-researched and coherent. So while I may choose not to read this one, I would not presume to form an opinion on it unless I do. But if anything might encourage me to read it, it would be a Facebook page opposing it!
I agree Jonno; most of Ian's books have been excellent reads. I think he has misjudged the public mood this time though.
Another important point is all the taxpayer money that King and Kahui were paid, that was meant for the care of the twins, and was used instead for drugs, booze and all-out partying, especially while those two babies lay beaten, malnurished and dying.
Wishart, who do you think you are? Total arrogance, on your part.
Yep IV2, this one may come back to bite him.
Maybe the His/Hers experiment is a total commercial failure?
Stay away. This publication evinces two things...
1 These creatures ought be ignored now that meaningful investigation has failed.
2 Wishart is at his stench-ridden tabloid worst.
Cadwallader
Far too many of the electorate who will make their decisiom on November 26th based on a completely fale view of what welfare delivers to the needy.
If this book raises awareness of the degrading situation these members of the underclass end up in almost solely as a result of that stupidity we may, as a society be a little better off.
A visit to Lindsay Mitchell's blog is recommended
During the trial I formed the view that Macsyna King was a sociopath and a narcissist, and that Kahui was only prosecuted because the police didn't know who had done it and thought they would have a better chance getting a conviction on a man.
I would not trust anything that King says, and it is interesting that Wishart seems to have swallowed her point of view because he wants to sell books. Good luck to him, I won't be buying it.
Why don't you say what this is Ian Wishart. A money making venture. You are a journalist and a publisher this is how you make your living.....stop being so 'high and mighty' about it all. Many people in New Zealand have spoken, they will not be buying your new book.
Well Ian Wishart you were very quick at the onset to label people who chose to boycott (not ban) your latest story as a "lynch mob" "witchsniffers" and other vitriolic abuse. Whilst you chose to focus on the biological Mother of twins Chris and Cru Kahui, much of NZ thankfully voiced their rights in opposing your story, Chris and Cru Kahui were tragically murdered and no one brought to justice and this book you launched whilst inquest in progress, disgusting.
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