And we thought we were relentless! That is nothing in the face of Metro Magazine’s attempt to bring Creative NZ to its knees and in the process jumping all over artist Michael Parekowhai. The first Metro hit was an ‘expose’ of a consultant who left CNZ in the lurch and out of pocket. Now for their second strike they have unleashed Josie McNaught
Judging from talk about her phone interviews the initial focus of her article was a Fair Go type investigation of the Te Papa purchase of Parekowhai’s Venice piano. That story obviously didn't fly which probably explains the minor roll call of offenses she has rustled up in the October issue: CNZ painted signs on the pavement (they were stickers but what the hey), Michael Parekowhai wouldn’t give JMcN an exclusive interview (get away), the tote bags were the most exciting thing at Venice (of course they were), Parekowhai was badly dressed at a party (scoop), and the red piano was “a joke” (journalist always think art they don’t get is a joke). In amongst it all she kicked the junior players and sucked up to the seniors (Alastair Carruthers and the two Jennys – “go girl”) and suggested CNZ should privatise the whole affair (which is their intention anyway).
Fortunately not all the media has taken such a dim view of the event. As journalist Josie McNaught (relation) said in the 4 June’s NZ Herald article Venice show hits the bull's eye “I doubt the harshest critic would find much to moan about.”
Images: the two Metro Magazine articles headlining their displeasure over two issues
