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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Controversy surrounding Nicky Hager’s ‘Dirty Work’

Overview

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has released a book titled ‘Dirty Work’, which alleges that the Taxpayers’ Union (TU) acts as a front for the radical right in New Zealand. Hager claims the organization used anti-Māori rhetoric during the ‘Stop Three Waters’ campaign to influence the 2023 election and helped shift political leaders toward right-wing stances.

The publication has triggered significant debate regarding political campaigning and journalistic integrity. The book describes an organized ‘hit job’ involving figures connected to the Taxpayers’ Union and the Free Speech Union regarding the departure of Māori journalist Maiki Sherman from TVNZ.

In response, Taxpayers’ Union co-founder Jordan Williams called the book a ‘full frontal attack’ on the organization. Additionally, Ian Wishart has challenged Hager’s journalistic standards, questioning whether the author sufficiently substantiated claims made in the book concerning a sexual harassment settlement involving a Taxpayers’ Union executive, a claim which the union and the executive deny.

Entities

Taxpayers’ Union · Ian Wishart · Maiki Sherman · TVNZ · Nicky Hager

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Nicky Hager’s ‘Dirty Work’ sparks debate over political campaigning

    Nicky Hager’s book ‘Dirty Work’ alleges coordinated political campaigns against journalists, prompting debates over publication standards and the influence of advocacy groups in New Zealand.

  2. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Nicky Hager releases ‘Dirty Work’ exposing Taxpayers’ Union

    Journalist Nicky Hager has released ‘Dirty Work’, a book alleging the Taxpayers’ Union used radical right rhetoric and political manipulation to influence New Zealand’s 2023 election.

Sources

centrist.nz · eveningreport.nz · thestandard.org.nz · waateanews.com