Editorial: SAS photos
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OPINION: This column does not often provide a defence for the paper's editorial decisions. The convention is that a story or photograph is published, and it is then for our readers, through direct feedback or the letters columns, to argue whether that was correct or not.
That debate then informs and influences future judgments, generally in terms of our readership's tolerance for items that are controversial or confronting. The Press Council also provides a forum for the paper to explain its position when a formal complaint is made.
However, the publication last week of a photograph of SAS Corporal Willie Apiata does merit explanation, given the level of public interest and criticism from the Prime Minister. Apiata is a national hero and it is understandable that many readers feel New Zealand's media should in no way increase the risks he faces in Afghanistan.
The Government's long-standing policy is not to comment on the actions of the SAS, with only the barest information released and members never identified. That, of course, changed in Apiata's case when he received the Victoria Cross for his bravery during an earlier tour in Afghanistan. The Government could, of course, have maintained its convention, only releasing the fact that an SAS soldier had received a VC, but no-one would begrudge the fanfare that was generated.
It was the first VC to be bestowed on a New Zealand serviceman since World War II, and it provided Kiwis with an opportunity to appreciate the skills and commitment of our armed forces. At the time, there was commentary on Apiata's future, and whether it would be impossible for him to return to active duty because of his profile. The man himself stated simply that it was his job, and he wished to be treated no differently from his comrades. A second decision made by Apiata was to walk through the streets of Kabul after last week's clash with insurgents with no head protection or disguise. A simple pair of sunglasses would have made it impossible to identify him.
Once the New York Times revealed the role of New Zealand's SAS in that incident, and a freelance photographer touted his images of our soldiers, there was no likelihood of secrecy being maintained. The decision for this paper was whether its readers should share in the information, including the photograph, that anyone could see on the internet. It was also influenced by the Prime Minister's confirmation of Apiata's identity.
Has publication of Apiata's photograph increased the risk for him? We believe not. Every Western soldier in Afghanistan is already a target. Frontline troops such as the SAS are often at extreme risk; Apiata could well have been killed in the action that led to his VC. That is his job, one he understands and accepts willingly.
This paper does not flagrantly defy conventions surrounding our armed forces. Indeed, last year one of our reporters inadvertently discovered information about the SAS that would have led to an exclusive story. But there was an agreement with the Defence Force and it was honoured.
Perhaps the Prime Minister should review the policy regarding the release of information about our service personnel, rather than seek to control its flow.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Comment on this editorial below.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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The media circus surrounding Wiilie Apiata VC was unique, in that it I believe was intended to allow exposure (carefully controlled) of a man of incredible bravery ,winning a ultimate award for this. True the SAS normally do not make public any awards to serving members. This was strictly a ONE OFF.it is onpublic record that Cpl Apiata VC wished to return to unit and resume the secretive staus of his tasks. The actions of the fourth estate in NZ and John Keys platitudes throughout the whole fiasco,remain in my opinion a glaring departure from good judgement.Whatever justifications the Editor of the CHCH PRESS may offer in hindsight will not ease the disgust felt by alarge number of Kiwis.Of course our coffee culture commandos and armchair admirals ill hail the hero's of the fourth estate,understandable given the level of comfort.
"A simple pair of sunglasses"
Sure, of course, its not like he didn't have anything else on his mind. That is one of the worst pieces of justification I've ever read, how you can look at yourselves in the mirror is beyond me.
The goverment have a long standing history of acting like complete idiots, with that withstanding the editor of this paper says he betrayed the safetly of our armed forces in interest of public interest. go figure the moral barometer that is being used by these people- what else will they do for money.
Yes "michael #5",very true, but as a former Soldier it was always my experience that the divisions of race and culture that we see so much of in civilian life do not (at least not in my day) apply in the Armed Forces. Generally speaking we were all brothers in arms united in our cause and duty, loyal to our organisation but above all to each other. The ethics and social values of the Armed Forces culture bear no similarity to those I have encountered in civi-street since my retirement . It is unfortunate that the Maori youth of today do not emulate the positive role models of our own race,such as Corporal Willie Apiata VC.
How dare that "renta protester" minto question Willies "hero hood" [press 25th jan].I would love to test minto's courage personally. He [minto] deserves to hang for treachory.
Its great to see a Maori receive all this attention and concern to the extent of mollycoddling ,usually people want to string them (Maori)up for protesting over land they deem as stolen.
Its great to see a Maori receive all this attention and concern to the extent of mollycoddling ,usually people want to string them (Maori)up for protesting over land they deem as stolen.
Its not the fact he is a soldier Jimmy, its the fact he is a highly decorated soldier. They would not want to kill him, they would rather capture him alive and use it as properganda.
I believe the paper is not at fault at all. The photos were on the net, John Key confirmed who he was. TBH no one is at fault for this incident. The people to blame are the Labour govt for giving a member of the SAS the VC, this should never of happened and normally it doesnt because it does add extra risk to what they do.
Saying that he should have been wearing glasses is a bit of joke isn't it? You can't seriously say that a member of the SAS, who is used to the media being sensible and not publishing photos of him should be covering himself up?
Wow, you just so happened to have an exclusive, that you can't talk about now, but that you definately had, but decided out of integrity not to publish - but we should believe you definately had it...sounds like a Tui ad.
As far as publisihing the photos go, yes people knew the SAS were in Afghanistan and that Willy was probably there, but all taht publishing did was say, they are in this part of afghanistan and this is what they look like in uniform to any aspiring suicide bombers.
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Dear Editor,
You were Wrong!
I thought I'd make it simple for you.
Your platitudes in the editorial are simply buck-passing. Your only valid point - and only precariously at that - was that the Government of the time elected to fanfare his VC. That too, I believe was wrong. However, two wrongs, Mr Editor, do not make it right.
There is a convention - respected in the past - that the comings and goings of the SAS are given only the broadest coverage. This is because to be truly effective in what they do, they act covertly. In doing so they allow freedoms for the rest of us (though fast disappearing freedoms due to our own apathy).
To misquote Kipling
Oh it's soldier this - and soldier that And chuck him out, the brute. But it's "Please to stand in front Sir", When the guns begin to shoot.
So, just in case you missed my opinion, Mr Editor, ... you and your equally errant colleagues were W.R.O.N.G. !
Got it?