Irish comedian Ed Byrne joined John MacDonald on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, where he discussed his new show - Tragedy Plus Time.

He explained how he manages to talk about the death of his brother Paul in the show and balance the emotion with humour. Plus his special connection to Kaikoura and Christchurch.

LISTEN ABOVE

Irish comedian Ed Byrne joined John MacDonald on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, where he discussed his new show - Tragedy Plus Time. 
He explained how he manages to talk about the death of his brother Paul in the show and balance the emotion with humour. Plus his special connection to Kaikoura and Christchurch. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays.

It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking.

If it’s news you’re after, backing John is the combined power of the Newstalk ZB and New Zealand Herald news teams. Meaning when it comes to covering breaking news – you will not beat local radio.

With two decades experience in communications based in Christchurch, John also has a deep understanding of and connections to the Christchurch and Canterbury commercial sector.

Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings 9am-12pm with John MacDonald on 100.1FM and iHeartRadio.

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays. It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking. If it’s news you’re after, backing John is the combined power of the Newstalk ZB and New Zealand Herald news teams. Meaning when it comes to covering breaking news – you will not beat local radio. With two decades experience in communications based in Christchurch, John also has a deep understanding of and connections to the Christchurch and Canterbury commercial sector. Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings 9am-12pm with John MacDonald on 100.1FM and iHeartRadio.

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays.

It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking.

Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald

Ed Byrne: Irish comedian on new show, the death of his brother, and his special connection to Kaikoura and Christchurch

John MacDonald was joined by National’s Matt Doocey and Labour’s Reuben Davidson for Politics Friday. 

They discussed whether the Government should intervene on the replanting regulations for pine trees on the Port Hills after the multiple intense blazes.

It’s been an emotional week in Parliament with the release of the Abuse in Care Report, so what needs to happen now? And, can we really get our response to mental health and addiction services back on track?

LISTEN ABOVE

John MacDonald was joined by National’s Matt Doocey and Labour’s Reuben Davidson for Politics Friday.  
They discussed whether the Government should intervene on the replanting regulations for pine trees on the Port Hills after the multiple intense blazes. 
It’s been an emotional week in Parliament with the release of the Abuse in Care Report, so what needs to happen now? And, can we really get our response to mental health and addiction services back on track? 
LISTEN ABOVE

Politics Friday: National's Matt Doocey and Labour's Reuben Davidson talk Pines on the Port Hills, Abuse in Care report, and mental health

“Pines are one of the most flammable plants on the planet.”

That’s a quote from a plant ecologist at Victoria University, Dr Nicola Day.

And it's why some Christchurch councils went to the Government wanting a change to the forestry rules, to try and stop pine forests being re-planted on the Port Hills after the big fire earlier this year.

The second big fire on the Port Hills in less than 10 years. And the Government has said no. Which I get. It's saying to the councils that it’s not prepared to change the forestry rules just to suit Christchurch. So I get that.

But, at the same time, it’s nuts that more can’t be done to try and make sure we don’t have another big fire in another seven years.

So, what happened is Christchurch and Selwyn mayors Phil Mauger and Sam Broughton, acting Environment Canterbury chair Craig Pauling and another ECAN councillor, wrote a letter to the Minister of Forestry Todd McClay.

And they pointed-out to him that, after the first fire in 2017, there was no way they could stop pines being re-planted. Which meant, of course, that when the second fire broke out on Valentine’s Day this year the pines were back again and, bingo, we know where things went from there.

And within days there were Port Hills residents coming out and saying how crazy it was that the pines had been re-planted after the 2017 fire and asking, you know, when will we learn?

Since then, the councils have gone as far as they can go - and there are some changes proposed to what’s known as the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement. 

But the forestry rules, as they stand, get in the way of anything further. Because they allow anyone who has existing rights to have a forestry plantation on the Port Hills to replace it like-for-like if it’s damaged or destroyed by fire.

The adventure park is a case in point. After 2017, the pines were re-planted there because the landowner had an existing right to plant them. There was nothing that could be done to stop that. This is what these local councils are trying to change. But the Government has said no.

When the fire was happening back in February, a director of McVicar Timber Group —which owns the land where the adventure park is— was quoted in media reports saying that planting native trees costs 10-times more than planting pine trees. 

He also said that he didn’t think native trees would survive in the Port Hills because the area is dry and rocky.

At the time, there weren’t many —if any— Port Hills residents agreeing with him.

Such as Hannah Miller, who said: “Seven years ago was the perfect opportunity to re-plant in natives. I’m no expert on fires, but we’ve seen what burns in the Port Hills and what doesn’t burn, and the native vegetation does a pretty damn good job of stopping it.”

She went on to say: “What on earth are we doing planting pines right up there? That’s utterly ridiculous.”

And I’m not going to argue with that. Because it was utterly ridiculous that pines were allowed to be re-planted after the 2017 fire and it’s utterly ridiculous that the forestry rules —as they stand at the moment— allow the same mistake to be made again.

But the Government has said “no”. So where do we go with this now?

If the councils here in Christchurch have had no joy with the Minister of Forestry, they need to be contacting his Cabinet colleague Simon Watts - who is the Climate Change Minister.

Because climate change —and more extreme weather— are part of the picture here.

Just over two weeks ago, Simon Watts released the Government’s five-point climate strategy. And one of those five points - under the heading “Nature-based solutions to address climate change” says the Government wants homes and communities better protected against climate change through restored habitats and ecosystems. It also wants more native forests.

So that’s where I think these councils should go next.

I can see why the Government doesn't want to tinker with the forestry rules just because of what we’ve been through here in Christchurch with two big fires on the Port Hills in seven years. But something has to be done to try and make sure we don't have to go through the same thing all over again.

“Pines are one of the most flammable plants on the planet.” 
That’s a quote from a plant ecologist at Victoria University, Dr Nicola Day. 
And it's why some Christchurch councils went to the Government wanting a change to the forestry rules, to try and stop pine forests being re-planted on the Port Hills after the big fire earlier this year. 
The second big fire on the Port Hills in less than 10 years. And the Government has said no. Which I get. It's saying to the councils that it’s not prepared to change the forestry rules just to suit Christchurch. So I get that. 
But, at the same time, it’s nuts that more can’t be done to try and make sure we don’t have another big fire in another seven years. 
So, what happened is Christchurch and Selwyn mayors Phil Mauger and Sam Broughton, acting Environment Canterbury chair Craig Pauling and another ECAN councillor, wrote a letter to the Minister of Forestry Todd McClay. 
And they pointed-out to him that, after the first fire in 2017, there was no way they could stop pines being re-planted. Which meant, of course, that when the second fire broke out on Valentine’s Day this year the pines were back again and, bingo, we know where things went from there. 
And within days there were Port Hills residents coming out and saying how crazy it was that the pines had been re-planted after the 2017 fire and asking, you know, when will we learn? 
Since then, the councils have gone as far as they can go - and there are some changes proposed to what’s known as the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement.  
But the forestry rules, as they stand, get in the way of anything further. Because they allow anyone who has existing rights to have a forestry plantation on the Port Hills to replace it like-for-like if it’s damaged or destroyed by fire. 
The adventure park is a case in point. After 2017, the pines were re-planted there because the landowner had an existing right to plant them. There was nothing that could be done to stop that. This is what these local councils are trying to change. But the Government has said no. 
When the fire was happening back in February, a director of McVicar Timber Group —which owns the land where the adventure park is— was quoted in media reports saying that planting native trees costs 10-times more than planting pine trees.  
He also said that he didn’t think native trees would survive in the Port Hills because the area is dry and rocky. 
At the time, there weren’t many —if any— Port Hills residents agreeing with him. 
Such as Hannah Miller, who said: “Seven years ago was the perfect opportunity to re-plant in natives. I’m no expert on fires, but we’ve seen what burns in the Port Hills and what doesn’t burn, and the native vegetation does a pretty damn good job of stopping it.” 
She went on to say: “What on earth are we doing planting pines right up there? That’s utterly ridiculous.” 
And I’m not going to argue with that. Because it was utterly ridiculous that pines were allowed to be re-planted after the 2017 fire and it’s utterly ridiculous that the forestry rules —as they stand at the moment— allow the same mistake to be made again. 
But the Government has said “no”. So where do we go with this now? 
If the councils here in Christchurch have had no joy with the Minister of Forestry, they need to be contacting his Cabinet colleague Simon Watts - who is the Climate Change Minister. 
Because climate change —and more extreme weather— are part of the picture here. 
Just over two weeks ago, Simon Watts released the Government’s five-point climate strategy. And one of those five points - under the heading “Nature-based solutions to address climate change” says the Government wants homes and communities better protected against climate change through restored habitats and ecosystems. It also wants more native forests. 
So that’s where I think these councils should go next. 
I can see why the Government doesn't want to tinker with the forestry rules just because of what we’ve been through here in Christchurch with two big fires on the Port Hills in seven years. But something has to be done to try and make sure we don't have to go through the same thing all over again.

John MacDonald: The Port Hills is not the place for pine trees

In some way, shape or form, every New Zealander is a victim of the horrific abuse laid bare in the inquiry report released yesterday.

First and foremost - absolutely first and foremost - it is the 200,000 people who were abused while in the care of the state and religious organisations that we are most mindful of. As we should be.

The Government appears to be, as well. The proof of that will emerge over the next few months as it works on a response to the 138 recommendations in the inquiry report.

As far as I’m concerned, there is one that should be prioritised immediately. Because, until this is done, a lot of the other strategies and plans and approaches recommended in the report will just be more paper, more talk, and our trust in the outfits who are supposed to be looking after the people who need it most will deteriorate further.

And that’s this recommendation that all staff and care workers are vetted, registered, and well-trained.

It’s astounding isn't it that this particular recommendation is even needed in 2024?

The Government’s first priority, though, seems to “re-dress”. Which is all about things like financial compensation and other forms of recognition for the direct victims of this abuse.

Even if you’re not one of them. Don’t think for a minute that this doesn’t involve you. Because you’re an indirect victim. I am too. Because, as I say, every New Zealander - in some way, shape or form - is a victim.

Whether it’s the families these kids went on to have or the people they had relationships with. The people who have faced the consequences of being brought up or living with someone broken by what they went through.

The people who have been the victims of crime carried out by the damaged people who finally found the belonging they were craving for in gangs.

The other victims I’m thinking of today, too, are the parents of these kids who were abused.

And if you’re thinking ‘oh none of them are me. I didn’t go through all that and no one in my family did either, so I’m not one of those victims he’s going on about.’ Well, think again.

Because we’re not just talking here about the abuse of 200,000 children and adults. Which is staggering enough, on its own.

We’re also talking about the huge abuse of trust we, as a society and a community, placed in these places that were supposed to protect and look after people.

And, particularly in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s, our trust in these outfits was rock solid.

I know. Because I went to two Catholic schools in Dunedin where sexual abuse of kids was going on. These were schools run by the Christian Brothers. So it was Christian Brothers Junior School and St Paul’s High School that I went to. This was in the late 70s and 80s.

And since then, some of the people who taught me, have been exposed as sexual predators.

One of them I thought was the best teacher I’d ever had. He was an English teacher and he just brought the whole subject to life and probably had some influence over my decision to become a journalist when I left school. He was amazing.

What I didn’t know, at the time, though was, while "Mr Amazing" was opening my eyes and ears to words and language and stories - at the same time, he was also taking other kids to his place across the road at lunchtimes and abusing them.

As for another one, well, I remember there being talk about him being dodgy when I was there - this was at Christian Brothers Junior School - so kind-of around intermediate age. This guy was a Christian Brother and there was talk about him but in those days, when you were 11 or 12, it was all a bit of a giggle.

Terrible to think that now. And I’m appalled to think about the other kids at both of those schools who must have been living in absolute terror while the rest of us got on with playing four square and handball at lunchtime, and having a giggle about keeping your towel on in the changing rooms at the pool.

This particular guy was moved overseas by the church when he was caught out - on the condition he have no contact with children. The reports I’ve seen say he went to the Cook Islands and Africa; eventually came back to New Zealand and is no longer alive.

Other teachers at these schools I went to have been named publicly over the years, too. And I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for some of these kids.

And I’m not just talking about the disgusting things that happened to them. How their lives were ripped apart. I’m also talking about how much they must have grappled with the fact that these so-called “religious” people were trusted.

And I bet there were kids back then going home, telling their parents what was going on and their parents saying “oh, don't be so bloody ridiculous. Stop that disgusting talk right now”. I bet you there were kids that went through that.

Because the trust in these creeps - however misguided - that people and society had in them and their organisations was rock solid. And they knew it, didn’t they? The animals they were.

Which is why I’m saying today that every one of us - directly and indirectly - we’ve all been affected by this. Nothing like the 200,000 who, finally, are being recognised. Nothing like that. But the trust we - as a society - placed in these people and their organisations was also abused.

Which makes us all victims, to varying degrees.

In some way, shape or form, every New Zealander is a victim of the horrific abuse laid bare in the inquiry report released yesterday.
First and foremost - absolutely first and foremost - it is the 200,000 people who were abused while in the care of the state and religious organisations that we are most mindful of. As we should be.
The Government appears to be, as well. The proof of that will emerge over the next few months as it works on a response to the 138 recommendations in the inquiry report.
As far as I’m concerned, there is one that should be prioritised immediately. Because, until this is done, a lot of the other strategies and plans and approaches recommended in the report will just be more paper, more talk, and our trust in the outfits who are supposed to be looking after the people who need it most will deteriorate further.
And that’s this recommendation that all staff and care workers are vetted, registered, and well-trained.
It’s astounding isn't it that this particular recommendation is even needed in 2024?
The Government’s first priority, though, seems to “re-dress”. Which is all about things like financial compensation and other forms of recognition for the direct victims of this abuse.
Even if you’re not one of them. Don’t think for a minute that this doesn’t involve you. Because you’re an indirect victim. I am too. Because, as I say, every New Zealander - in some way, shape or form - is a victim.
Whether it’s the families these kids went on to have or the people they had relationships with. The people who have faced the consequences of being brought up or living with someone broken by what they went through.
The people who have been the victims of crime carried out by the damaged people who finally found the belonging they were craving for in gangs.
The other victims I’m thinking of today, too, are the parents of these kids who were abused.
And if you’re thinking ‘oh none of them are me. I didn’t go through all that and no one in my family did either, so I’m not one of those victims he’s going on about.’ Well, think again.
Because we’re not just talking here about the abuse of 200,000 children and adults. Which is staggering enough, on its own.
We’re also talking about the huge abuse of trust we, as a society and a community, placed in these places that were supposed to protect and look after people.
And, particularly in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s, our trust in these outfits was rock solid.
I know. Because I went to two Catholic schools in Dunedin where sexual abuse of kids was going on. These were schools run by the Christian Brothers. So it was Christian Brothers Junior School and St Paul’s High School that I went to. This was in the late 70s and 80s.
And since then, some of the people who taught me, have been exposed as sexual predators.
One of them I thought was the best teacher I’d ever had. He was an English teacher and he just brought the whole subject to life and probably had some influence over my decision to become a journalist when I left school. He was amazing.
What I didn’t know, at the time, though was, while "Mr Amazing" was opening my eyes and ears to words and language and stories - at the same time, he was also taking other kids to his place across the road at lunchtimes and abusing them.
As for another one, well, I remember there being talk about him being dodgy when I was there - this was at Christian Brothers Junior School - so kind-of around intermediate age. This guy was a Christian Brother and there was talk about him but in those days, when you were 11 or 12, it was all a bit of a giggle.
Terrible to think that now. And I’m appalled to think about the other kids at both of those schools who must have been living in absolute terror while the rest of us got on with playing four square and handball at lunchtime, and having a giggle about keeping your towel on in the changing rooms at the pool.
This particular guy was moved overseas by the church when he was caught out - on the condition he have no contact with children. The reports I’ve seen say he went to the Cook Islands and Africa; eventually came back to New Zealand and is no longer alive.
Other teachers at these schools I went to have been named publicly over the years, too. And I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for some of these kids.
And I’m not just talking about the disgusting things that happened to them. How their lives were ripped apart. I’m also talking about how much they must have grappled with the fact that these so-called “religious” people were trusted.
And I bet there were kids back then going home, telling their parents what was going on and their parents saying “oh, don't be so bloody ridiculous. Stop that disgusting talk right now”. I bet you there were kids that went through that.
Because the trust in these creeps - however misguided - that people and society had in them and their organisations was rock solid. And they knew it, didn’t they? The animals they were.
Which is why I’m saying today that every one of us - directly and indirectly - we’ve all been affected by this. Nothing like the 200,000 who, finally, are being recognised. Nothing like that. But the trust we - as a society - placed in these people and their organisations was also abused.
Which makes us all victims, to varying degrees.

Ed Byrne: Irish comedian on new show, the death of his brother, and his special connection to Kaikoura and Christchurch

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