Official Complaint Against Mike Hosking’s Africa Denigration Statement
Under the ethics of journalism, Mike Hosking was given a job to present objective discourse but ended up denigrating people of African descent in one of his morning talk shows. While this cannot be argued to be a one-off statement or statements made in error, a repeated pattern has been observed in Mike’s derogatory use of the words “Sub-Saharan Africa”. Members of the African community have raised several complaints to the ACCW Board about this pattern of behaviour. This complaint arose from the discriminatory statement by Mike Hoskings on Live Radio NewstalkZB in company of invited guests Labour Party MP and Cabinet Minister Megan Woods at approximately 8:15am Wednesday morning on 17 May 2023. During this time, Mike Hosking made the comment “no, no, no, don’t find some sub-Saharan African country that’s useless then comparing us to them”. A recording of this statement is available at (https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-demand/week-on-demand/). When this statement was made, there was laughter in the radio studio heard across homes, vehicles, offices, gas stations, farms, parliament, courts, security stations, ships etc in New Zealand. This context of the discussion in the radio studio centered on the low literacy and numeracy rates in New Zealand compared to other countries in a recent education report. Within less than a week on 23 May, Mr Hosking again on the same platform made the following comments in an exchange with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on the apparent rise in ram raids: “No, no, I’m not interested in anywhere else in the world. I’m not interested in some sub-Saharan African country you can quote”. A recording of this statement is also available at (https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-demand/week-on-demand/) The process for making complaints is outlined on the BSA webpage (https://www.bsa.govt.nz/broadcasting-standards/broadcasting-code-book-2022/the-codebook/). We hope all complaints can reach the Broadcaster within 20 days of publishing this content over the radio. Below is the courier sent along with the complaint. The ACCW Board has taken the first steps towards addressing this wrong done to our community and we are calling on all Africans in Aotearoa and friends of Africa to begin submitting similar complaints using the template below. Multiple complaints will go a long way in increasing the weight of this complaint. We are also exploring other avenues such as the Broadcasting Standard Authority (BSA) and formal petition to New Zealand Parliament for review of The Broadcasting Act to strengthen actions against such behaviour. After making a submission, please share a copy to info@africancommunity.org.nz for collation and further action as deemed necessary until a resolution is achieved. As we await response from NZME Radio Limited, do share this complaint processes above widely as everyone has a right to seek redress for all wrong under New Zealand law. If you are impacted by this statement, Reach Out Counselling has offered to provide free counselling sessions (https://reachoutcounselling.com). We are grateful for this kind gesture from Reach Out Counselling.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 7
The Ubuntu Learning Hub continues Session 7 Session 7 Adult Topic is: Transition from early Childhood Education to Primary School Session 7 Youth Topic is: DJ101-All the skills you need to start your DJ journey At the end of the sessions, participants would have gained parents knowledge about transition process from ECE to primary school and youth knowledge about essential skills in DJ technique and profession. We have three fantastic speakers Anastasia Aukuso-Lolo, Eddie Ennion and Caio Bruno who are experienced as a deputy principal and professional DJs respectively. Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington Date: 27 May 2023 Time: 12noon to 3pm Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups:– The Adult session will be facilitated by our Education Lead Elma Behring– The Youth session will be facilitated by Eddie Ennion– The Children session will be facilitated by Fasya Enegbuma and Narisara Nixon There would be lots of food and drinks during the sessions for all participants. Please register using the link below and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday(https://forms.gle/NgC 1Jt 1bq tyB8) In the spirit of Ubuntu, inform your friends and families who are yet to receive information about this learning hub.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 6
The Ubuntu Learning Hub continues Session 6 Session 6 topics 1 is: The role of school counsellor and what parents can expect from their school’s counsellor Session 6 topics 2 is: Home Schooling: A parent sharing her personal journey What do parents need to know when interacting with school counsellors What do parents need to know about home schooling options in New Zealand We have two fantastic speakers Jawahir Ahmed and Denise Byarugaba who are experienced experts in counselling and community engagement. Venue: Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane, Johnsonville, Wellington Date: 13 May 2023 Time: 12noon to 3pm Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups:– The Adult session will be facilitated by our Education Lead Elma Behring– The Youth session will be facilitated by (TBC)– The Children session will be facilitated by Fasya Enegbuma and Narisara Nixon There would be lots of refreshment during the sessions for all participants. Please register using the link below and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday(https://forms.gle/NgC 1Jt 1bq tyB8) In the spirit of Ubuntu, inform your friends and families who are yet to receive information about this learning hub.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 5
The Ubuntu Learning Hub continues with Session 5 Session 5 topic is: Managing the disconnect between parents and children after immigrating to New Zealand What do parents need to observe in migration trends How to care for parents and children mental health Where to seek assistance when faced with challenges We have a fantastic speaker Sabina Larsen from Reachout Counselling. Sabina is an experienced counsellor adopting several technique in proving mental health advice. Venue: Akau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington Date : 6 May 2023 Time: 12noon to 3pm Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups:– The Adult session will be facilitated by our Education Lead Elma Behring– The Youth session will be facilitated by (TBC)– The Children session will be facilitated by Fasya Enegbuma and Narisara Nixon There would be lots of refreshment during the sessions for all participants. Please register using the link below and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday(https://forms.gle/NgC 1Jt 1bq tyB8) In the spirit of Ubuntu, inform your friends and families who are yet to receive information about this learning hub.
Isaac Kissi Appeal Fund
Isaac Kissi is a warm, friendly and compassionate husband and father of three children. Isaac was born in Ghana and a specialist car spray painting specialist. While searching for career development opportunities, a Wellington based panel and paint specialist offered Isaac an employment role. This news was met with excitement and so much joy within Isaac’s family and Isaac began the audacious preparations to leave his homeland for career growth in New Zealand. Upon arriving in New Zealand, Isaac was greeted with a warm and hospitable kiwi welcome including a tour of his companies branches and office space. There was an unfortunate turn of events when Isaac began feeling some disorientation and numbness which raised some concerns. Thankfully, the ambulance service arrived just in time to stabilise and transport Isaac to the Wellington Regional Hospital. The medical team provided Isaac with a diagnosis of stroke which affected the right side of his body. All efforts to monitor and provide care for Isaac showed tremendous impact on his improvement charts and he began to show signs of improvement in speech and gain mobility of other parts of his right side. After over a month in hospital, Isaac was then transferred to Kenepuru rehabilitation for closer care and physiotherapy. Isaac is now discharged from rehabilitation and living in temporary accommodation. Isaac has exhibited great resolve by remaining resilient through this ordeal and is determined to get back to full recovery and continue work which is highly commendable. ACCW Board was made aware of Isaac’s condition in late March and has been closely monitoring the situation including visits and launching an appeal fund to assist Isaac. The ACCW President Kosam is also working closely with Eric who currently leads the Wellington Ghanaian community to coordinate support efforts. Some of these efforts include visiting Isaac’s employers, communication with the new Ghana High Commission representative and sourcing employment and immigration advice. Members of the African community have also visited Isaac including supporting with food and other items during this time. Thanks to all your generous donations, $940 has been raised in Isaac’s appeal fund but please keep the donations coming to give Isaac a lifeline until he is fit enough to resume work. According to the latest update by the ACCW President, Isaac’s accommodation is paid up for the next 4 weeks with option of additional 2 weeks depending on the assessment by physiotherapist. Isaac also has a nurse assigned to monitor his daily vitals. While a strict exercise regime is in place to assist Isaac to full recovery and the doctors are optimistic, Isaac does not have any family, friends or financial support moving to a new country and we are appealing for continuous support for Isaac. If you would like to organise a visit please email info@africancommunity.org.nz to make arrangements. For financial donations to this appeal please use: Name: African Community Council Wellington Account Number: 02-0560-0153347-025 Reference: Isaac Kissi
Spotlight on ViFA Radio’s Francois Byamana
Francois Byamana Judah is a former refugee originally from Rwanda. He arrived in Aotearoa – New Zealand in September 1998 as part of the United Nations resettlement program. Francois Byamana interest in Media especially in radio started when he was a young boy growing up in ex Zaire, currently Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a father of two sons, both keen football players. He is a polyglot and has a profound love for languages and is fluent in 5 languages. He is ACCW community broadcaster and one of the presenters of VIFA (Vibes from AFRIKA). He studied 1 year of Radio Journalism at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill. Before moving to Wellington, Francois had a show on Plante FM9 Community access radio for 2 years and K FM where he presented an hour musical show that was known as THE JUNGLE BEATS before moving to Ponsonby Radio where he hosted AFRIKAN BEATS TO THE MAX. Beside that, Francois Byamana is a Musician, Actor, Interpreter and a Master of ceremony. Below are some moments of Francois’s participation in the community. To join the show click the link: https://www.accessradio.org.nz/ If you missed the live show, you can listen to the podcast using this link: https://www.accessradio.org.nz/vibes-from-africa.html ViFA is also on Facebook through: https://www.facebook.com/vibesfromafrica/
Workingmen’s Bowling Club Consultation
Feedback on the Workingmen’s Bowling Club located at 177 Owen Street in Newtown closes on 27 April 2023. Newtown hosts a good number of Africans and members of the ACCW Board have joined ACCW members in attending several consultation meetings and shared ideas for possible use of this space. In one of the consultation meetings there were a good number of ideas around community gardens, performance theatre, music recording studio, community park and others but one that stood out was an idea for an African community recreation hub. While the space is situated within the green belt, ideas tailored within recreation are welcome. Please take some time to provide some suggestions for use of this space before consultation closes. To read the news about this consultation visit: https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-information/our-wellington/2023/03/workingmens-bowling-club To fill out your submission visit: https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/bowling-club-newtown
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 4
The Ubuntu Learning Hub resumes after the school, Easter and Eid break! Session 4 topic is: Cybersafety and Privacy – What do parents and students need to know about staying safe online? – What are the important data privacy laws in New Zealand? – What are the best forms of protection while learning with digital technology? We have a fantastic speaker Boniface Ushaka from MBIE. Boniface is an experienced information technology security consultant including security risk assessment, risk workshop, security assurance and technology audit expertise. Venue: Akau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington Date: 29 April 2023 Time: 12pm – 2:30pm Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups: – The Adult session will be facilitated by our Education Lead Elma Behring – The Youth session will be facilitated by (TBC) – The Children session will be facilitated by Fasya Enegbuma and Narisara Nixon There would be lots of refreshment during the sessions for all participants. Please register using the link below and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday(https://forms.gle/NgC 1Jt 1bq tyB8) In the spirit of Ubuntu, inform your friends and families who are yet to receive information about this learning hub.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 3
The Ubuntu Learning Hub is back on this weekend! This weeks topic is: Understanding NCEA and Pathways What is NCEA? What do parents and students need to know about pathways within secondary education and for school leavers. What are the education and training options for school leavers? We have two fantastic speakers from the Ministry of Education (Annelies Mead and Ian McHale) coming to present and answer any questions you may have about NCEA. Make sure to come down to the Johnsonville Club from 10 am- 12pm, Saturday April 1st. We have a children’s programme available as well as refreshments! Please register using the link below and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday(https://forms.gle/NgC1JtT1bqetyTTB8) In the spirit of Ubuntu, inform your friends and families who are yet to receive information about this learning hub.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 2
The first Ubuntu Learning Hub is in full swing. Are you an African parent wondering about what is taught in schools and have burning questions about what drives learning in New Zealand schools? Are you planning to have a child that will study in New Zealand? Or just curious about the New Zealand Curriculum?…then you should save the date and time. The second Community Learning Hub workshop is this Saturday on the 25th of March from 10am-12pm. Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups: – The Adult session will be led by our Education Lead Elma Behring – The Youth session will be led by (TBC) – The Children session will be led by Fasya Enegbuma The topic will be ‘Understanding NZ Health Curriculum and Sexuality Education in Schools – what is on the curriculum and what parents need to know‘. Please let us know any questions or potential topics in advance. Please use the following link to register for the workshops (https://forms.gle/NgC1JtT1bqetyTTB8). In the spirit of Ubuntu, inform your friends and families who are yet to receive information about this learning hub.