ImperatorFish: Patrick Gower put on notice by colleagues
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2:51 pm, June 30th, 2013 - 25 comments
Categories: Satire, tv -
Tags: Patrick Gower
Scott at Imperator Fish has kindly given us permission to syndicate posts from his blog – the original of this post is here.
3 News Political Editor Patrick Gower has been put on notice that his performance must improve if he is to keep his job.
A member of 3 News’ political reporting team told 3 News yesterday that Gower had two months to improve his performance.
Questions have been raised about Gower’s leadership style ever since he took over as political editor from Duncan Garner.
One person inside the 3 News camp has accused Gower of being “tight”, and of failing to motivate his colleagues.
The journalist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “the team is just really flat and unmotivated. Whenever we have a team gathering to celebrate a great story it’s always instant coffee and wine biscuits.
“We’ve told him we want something nicer. God, even a sandwich would be an improvement. But Gower is just so tight. I’m not even sure whether he eats.”
The journalist said that his colleagues had almost run out of patience with Gower.
“I give Paddy a couple more months. I’m talking to his bosses about his performance at the moment, and I reckon we could see a change before the end of the year if he doesn’t buck up his ideas.”
Gower’s transition to the political editor role has not been an easy one.
The departure of Duncan Garner and the recent receivership of MediaWorks have strained nerves within the 3 News team, and 3 News continues to trail in the TV ratings against One News.
It is understood that Gower is still in contact with Garner, and that Garner may be offering support and advice to Gower.
“We send each other texts occasionally,” Gower has previously admitted. “But I’m my own leader.”
Gower has also appeared preoccupied with uncovering scandals and chasing MPs down building corridors, and has failed to tackle the important business of keeping everyone in the office moderately contented.
Some within TV3 fear an ugly and bloody battle between Tova O’Brien and Brook Sabin for leadership of the 3 News political reporting team, should Gower be forced aside.
But the journalist who spoke to 3 News is not a member of either faction.
Gower told 3 News last night that he was not concerned about questions surrounding his leadership, or the failure of 3 News to move ahead of One News in the ratings.
“Look, I’m confident I’ll still be here for the 2014 election,” Gower said. “Nobody in the team has said anything to me about any trouble.”
Reporter Brook Sabin has also claimed that he knows nothing about any challenge to Gower’s leadership.
“Obviously if the position became available I would have to assess where I stood on the issue,” said Sabin.
“But right now I’m happy just being a political reporter.”
Tova O’Brien failed to return any of 3 News’ calls.
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- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...13 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...3 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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cos’ the shark, babe, has such pretty teeth dear, And he shows them pearly white…
Patrick Gower looks like a ventriloquist’s dummy!
This clown is soo hilarious even people who don’t follow politics can see what a dork he is, speculatio this, rumour that and a shocking presentation style to boot.
Garner must be very very happy with this, he can’t lose so watch out Paddy, innuendo may be coming a lot closer to home than you think.
The clip of Gower’s interview with Shearer on 3 News tonight – it was hard to decide who looked most like a deer caught in the headlights.
If you have to ask “do you think I made it up”, chances are you might not the way the answer goes.
Strange staging: awkward men in a whare on kitchen chairs with lights.
and again:
Two awkward men in a whare on kitchen chairs with lights.
You need to drop the two of the end of your link.
The two was meant to be in front – it jumped.
Twos do that, can’t be trusted.
very much so.
The entire thing was uncomfortable to watch.
Where ya been all these past lives Flockie, Out Back?
one day’s absence? golly.
This is an absolute hoot ! Paddy Boy hoist on his own shit petard !
Heard him pressing Shearer with the “two months – shape up or ship out” scuttlebutt, related directly to Paddy (Part Of The Story) Boy by a caucus member apparently.
Shearer haltingly claimed he’d heard nothing of it. So Paddy Boy gets that dead face, sandwich short of a picnic, mouth hanging open thing about him and says – “Do you think I’m making it up……”. Faaarrk ! Punishing Paddy aye ?
Fair enough question of course but you know, never heard him do the same number on His Omnipotence ShonKey Python. Paddy a dullard with no balls, clearly. And of course any fool knows it’s not advised to press ShonKey like that……..a possible sinecure full of “famousness” right out the window.
You got your wish Paddy Boy – you really are part of the story ! Remember though bro’…….no one gives a faaarrk how angry you are about that. Please, please don’t tell us.
Was tempted to offer the answer to Gower’s “do you think I made it up?” with “Yes. After all you’ve been known to interview yourself and conjure stories to suit your opinion so often I must believe you do make it up.”
Saw Gower in action at the November Labour conference and thought that Gower must’ve been smoking something or else channeling from Planet Key.
@ irascible
Saw Gower in action at the November Labour conference…
Did you spot him and TV1’s Jessica Mutch outside the men’s toilet door – cameras rolling – waiting for someone to reappear? I presumed it was Cunliffe they were waiting for, but Phil Goff burst through the door instead so they interviewed him.
What I witnessed at that conference was an hysterical TV media frenzy like nothing I’ve seen before and I hope I never see it again.
Gower may come across often as a desperate bully looking to make stories out of nothing but that’s a completely different issue to whether there’s any truth to his claim that Shearer’s on notice. He obviously is, and Shearer showed his naivety by suggesting to Gower that he name the MP and that if he couldn’t then there’s no substance to the claim. Gower came across as a clown, and apart from the “who was it” response Shearer probably did the best he could, but Gower’s disposition is a separate matter to the fact Shearer’s the wrong man for the job and that the party is finally beginning to act.
Why is this news or worthy of comment? I think Patrick is doing well given his age and experience.
It’s newsworthy Steve friend because Mr Bean’s Wahanui Cuzzy tries to come across as Edwards or Exel at their best. Sadly the former and his mate Ralston are well past theirs but that’s not relevant to this discussion.
So…….if your Dunning Kruger Effect sense of yourself has you to understand that you’re some oracle with tabs on everything and you’re Part Of The Story no less, while in fact you’re a dick given to cheap suits, shockingly badly knotted ties, and dribbling, ya gonna fall on your arse ! And in this world where “appearance is everything” ignorance of the half-windsor is impeachable frankly.
You gotta admit, the guy’s been pretty much out there in his ways. Telling us “I’m angry….” etc. Well he’s gonna get his tombstones rearranged. Good job ! And when that happens it is newsworthy. By his own definitions, surely ? Since he’s Part Of The Story.
It’s also known as “karma”.
Please have another go when you’ve sobered up – didn’t understand a word of that litany.
Sorry Mr Joyce, see if Key can translate it for you.
Baby Shrek appears to be a corrupt reporter obviously.
The best answer to Gower’s stupid question would have been “Yes, just like the lies you made up about my loyal colleague David Cunliffe, who I have just decided to promote to spokesperson for Finance. Until you grow up and stop interviewing your own twitter account, please address all further questions to Trevor Mallard. You two deserve each other.”
Potential defamation and publicly belittling a senior MP in your own party?
Nice to dream, but a stupid answer in real life.
I reckon that Tova O’Brien would make a way better political editor than Ratboy.
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Has Paddy reached the Peter Principle cross-over? In the lead-up to his Leadership of the TV3 Political
WingDesk, Paddy’s done some sterling journalism . . . you know, real stuff that requires investigation, corroboration, analysis, and written in the little words most New Zealander’s can understand. I think he must have pissed of John Armstrong when Paddy worked alongside him at the New Zealand Fox News Herald because Paddy had far better stories and much more ink. Then off to telly and he, again, popped up with great stories by asking politicians inconvenient questions. Now, as “Leader”, he’s kinda got himself subsumed into the process and thinks he’s a player. A jester, perhaps, but its all a bit dissappointing, really. In the old days, the Press Gallery would have been hounding the government rather than putting the boot into the opposition. Paddy’s involvement, neah, even instigation, of this bizarre activity seems to indicate he’s taken his eye off the ball, been distracted.Anyone seen any news reporting from TV3 on the MediaWorks tax swindle?