Editorial: A true woman of conviction

OPINION: Some may call her petty.

Others may say she should mind her own business. But nobody can ever say Elaine Hadfield doesn't have values and principles.

Blenheim's moral crusader has strong beliefs and she makes sure that anyone who cares to listen knows about them.

Today Miss Hadfield is celebrating her first successful complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) after the authority upheld her complaint over an item featuring drunken duck shooters on current affairs show Close Up.

Miss Hadfield (and other complainants) took exception to a segment which showed a group of duck shooters drinking alcohol before firing shotguns.

One hunter was also shown attempting to have sex with a blow-up doll, while alcohol brands were visible throughout the story.

The BSA agreed and Close Up last night featured an apology of sorts.

Miss Hadfield also does a fair bit of letter writing to The Marlborough Express. If this newspaper features photographs (particularly on the front page) of people drinking alcohol then it's a given that there will be a letter from her admonishing us for our actions.

We have even been taken to task for using the word "bum" to describe the rear end of a cyclist in last year's Grape Ride.

We don't always agree with Miss Hadfield's comments but it's nice to know that someone is watching out for us and making us accountable for everything we do.

Miss Hadfield doesn't only write and complain about things, she is actively involved in several groups and organisations that aim to make our world a better place.

And it's not only alcohol and irresponsible television that she objects to. Miss Hadfield has a deep concern for the environment and was one of the founding members of the Save the Wairau group.

Miss Hadfield's moral standards may be too narrow for many of us but her commitment to them is unquestionable, and that is a trait that is commendable.

Miss Hadfield says people should make their voices heard if they are not happy about something. She points out that if something is wrong and you don't do anything, you are condoning it.

There's nothing wrong with that logic and we could probably all learn a lesson or two from Miss Hadfield.

You don't always have to agree with her but there's no denying she is a woman of conviction. And that's something to be admired.

- The Marlborough Express

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