John Banks Mayor: New Zealand Herald deeply offensive to Blake family

Auckland’s Mayor, John Banks, says the New Zealand Herald needs to thoroughly examine its behaviour in the Peter Blake Memorial issue.

Mr Banks said today the newspaper’s continual use of the words “glass coffin” was “thoughtless, heartless and deeply distressing to the Blake family”.

The newspaper’s behaviour was in danger of wrecking the project and denying New Zealand a world class interactive exhibition – capable of thrilling and inspiring thousands.

Mr Banks said the Herald’s “glass coffin” coverage had failed to provide balance or put all the facts before an intelligent public, which deserved a far higher standard of journalism.

“It’s in danger of leaving New Zealand with a second rate tribute to Sir Peter if the newspaper allows low-level columnists free reign to make remarks which are gratuitous, insulting and hurtful.”

Mr Banks said he couldn’t imagine the ratepayers of Auckland City wanting to spend a dollar buying a $10 million island 50 nautical miles from the downtown Viaduct.

“It would be a poor substitute for a $2 million investment by the city for a $10 million exhibition bringing inspiration, fun, visitors and economic growth to the Viaduct.”

“No family should have to live with the city’s biggest newspaper relentlessly branding a tribute to their loved one a glass coffin,” Mr Banks said.

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