Boock on wowsers

We blogged on Tuesday about the media frenzy over a supposed drunken Waitangi Day rampage by New Zealand ex-pats in London. Once the true story came out (as opposed from the manufactured one) the frenzy became a whimper, and various media organisations were forced to tell the true story.

It seems that Richard Boock is similarly dismissive of local media. In his An Auckland Minute blog on Stuff, he opines:

A couple of questions. For starters, how discerning is the Kiwi media? You'd have to say not very if the latest beat-up over the Waitangi Day pub crawl in London is any guide. Checks, balances? Don't be silly. All it took was one slightly narcissistic-sounding prig, a couple of anonymous social media bleats and nek minnit? Front page coverage throughout the country, blaring bulletins on online sites; there was even a comment sought from the prime minister.

Second: Who cut Dylan Clements' lunch? I mean, seriously; the man who's just become known as New Zealand's Biggest Overseas Embarrassment sounds like he could have done with a pub crawl more than most. Agitating against the event before it even started, complaining to the High Commissioner, contradicting the evidence of the local police; he seems like a bloke in serious need of a hobby. May I recommend something involving a uniform?

Even more amusing has been Clements' reaction since realising he's made an arse of himself. Apparently feels like he's been "crucified" for speaking his mind, poor chap. You can just imagine the anguish he must be going through. Then again, maybe if it he hadn't gone to the trouble of contacting the New Zealand Herald and the Dominion Post newspapers and begging for nationwide attention, he wouldn't be feeling quite so exposed.

But just on that, doesn't it make you laugh when someone feels a need to preface their comments with a philosophical declaration? You know the type: "I'm not sexist but (enter a completely chauvinistic observation)". Or "I'm not a racist but (add an offensive suggestion about Asians)". Clements' version? He assured us he wasn't a "prude" before launching into a lengthy lament that left him sounding like a cross between Patricia Bartlett and that Family First pikelet, Bob McCoskrie.

Now, of course, he's claiming he's been misunderstood. Faced with compelling evidence his account has been over-egged (including a statement from Westminster police that the annual pub crawl remains a favourite assignment for officers) he's tried to change his story. Forget the allegations of misbehaviour; the latest spin is that he only ever wanted more toilets and rubbish bins. So much for having the courage of your convictions.

Boock is absolutely on the money here. Dylan Clements tried to push a hobby-horse of his in the media, and hyped up the negative aspects of the pub-crawl. But unfortunately for him, and even more unfortunately for the NZ media, Clements didn't tell the real story; just his distorted view of it. And the media swallowed it; hook, line and sinker.

One has to wonder about the methodology of the media both here and overseas. Do they check basis facts? Do they seek independant verification? Or do they just run a story, believing everything that's told to them?

And we chuckled at Boock's suggestion that Mr Clements may need a hooby involving a uniform. Years ago, there used to be a gate-keeper at Eden Park who was rather uncharitably known as "Hitler". From all reports, he was a thoroughly decent bloke until such time as he turned up at his gate and donned his white coat. From that moment, he was transformed into an entirely different personality! Richard Boock may even remember him.

In the meantime, we somehow doubt that Dylan Clements is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame. And we somehow doubt whether too many people will be inviting him out for a drink just at the moment!