GRACE UNDER FIRE: Ben Gracewood (left) in a recent appearance with Breakfast co-host Paul Henry (right).Gadget reviewer Ben Gracewood told NBR that, with Paul Henry gone, he would be happy to resume his popular weekly slot on TVNZ's Breakfast."H
GRACE UNDER FIRE: Ben Gracewood (left) in a recent appearance
with Breakfast co-host Paul Henry (right).
Gadget reviewer Ben Gracewood told NBR that, with Paul Henry gone, he would be happy to resume his popular weekly slot on TVNZ's Breakfast.
"However, I appreciate that they may have already set in place alternative plans," added the Qantas Media Award-nominated blogger.
Mr Gracewood's resignation was the first of a number of reactions that elevated Mr Henry's comments about the Governor General above the usual level provoked by the controversial Breakfast host.
At the time, the gadget guy told followers on his website: "Paul Henry’s comment made me very uncomfortable as a New Zealander, and I don’t wish to associate, or be associated with people who make such comments.
"Although I doubt that my actions will in anyway influence someone such as Paul Henry, I do not wish to appear to condone his perspectives by my inaction."
Mr Gracewood added:
"I think Paul is an intelligent guy who does an incredibly difficult job making up crap to say for 2.5 hours every morning, with producers talking in his ear. This makes his comments even more abhorrent in my mind: I believe it’s premeditated."
This afternoon, after hearing Mr Henry had resigned, Mr Gracewood emailed NBR, saying, "His decision to resign a full-time paid position is hugely more significant than my own, and I'm sure anyone would be horrified if they had to do the same.
"Despite all of this, the publicity surrounding the event has allowed many New Zealanders to voice their opinions about race. I'm heartened that the overwhelming majority understand that our vibrant, multicultural society is part of what makes this such a wonderful country. There is no single skin colour or accent that defines a 'real New Zealander'."
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