“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations” While this quote is commonly attributed to George Orwell, some sources suggest it might not be a direct quote. It was, nevertheless, the starting point for Erin Kavanagh-Hall, journalist and ‘skipper’ of the team producing Wairarapa Times-Age Midweek, who was the guest speaker at South Wairarapa Rebus Club’s May meeting. But, she assured us, print journalism is also a medium that hosts good stories that uplift and inspire both readers and journalists.
After media studies at Canterbury University Erin joined the Ministry of Health, writing letters for ministers before joining the Wairarapa Times-Age. Erin illustrated her talk with a number of stories she had covered in areas she is most passionate about, including arts and culture, social and bicultural issues, youth, animal welfare, food and travel.
The club speaker at the meeting, John MacGibbon, gave us a taste of a video project he is working on for display in the Wool Shed Museum in Masterton. He has collected and restored 300 photos of rural Wairarapa between 1845 and 1950 – homesteads and farm buildings, farm scenery, farmwork, recreation, weddings and sports events. In June the club celebrated Matariki with a luncheon at the Carterton Club.
The South Wairarapa Rebus Club meets at 9:45am on the fourth Friday of each month at the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club in Greytown. The club prides itself on the quality of its guest speakers and reviews of previous talks can be found in newsletters on the club’s website: southwairaraparebus.com. Retirees interested in joining are invited to attend a meeting as a visitor. Introduce yourself at the door from the West Street carpark, or contact John Reeve on 021 560 461 for more information.
