Nicky Hager’s ‘Dirty Work’ sparks debate over political campaigning

Nicky Hager’s new book, ‘Dirty Work’, has sparked debate regarding political campaigning and journalistic standards in New Zealand. The book alleges that a coordinated campaign, involving figures connected to the Taxpayers’ Union and the Free Speech Union, contributed to the departure of prominent Māori journalist Maiki Sherman from TVNZ.

While Sherman acknowledged making inappropriate comments and apologized, the book characterizes the episode as an organized ‘hit job’. This has raised questions about the influence of political campaigners and the relationships between various advocacy organizations.

In response to the book, Ian Wishart has questioned Hager’s adherence to his own publication standards. Wishart pointed to Hager’s previous testimony in a 2013 defamation trial, where Hager emphasized the need for corroborating evidence when publishing sexual allegations. Wishart is now challenging whether Hager sufficiently substantiated claims made in ‘Dirty Work’ regarding a sexual harassment settlement involving a Taxpayers’ Union executive, a claim which the union and the executive reportedly deny.