by Peter Williams

A Personal Perspective from the Margins of Mainstream Media

Nearly five years ago, I made the difficult decision to resign from my radio talk show, Magic Talk, after being confronted by management about my stance on the government's vaccine mandates. My 9:00 AM to midday slot was labelled “anti vax central,” and I was told that my questioning of government policy was affecting the station’s finances. The reason? Government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Health, were financing media outlets with persistent Covid-19 and vaccine messaging, and any dissent threatened that funding. This scenario left me with no option but to walk away – a rather abrupt end to nearly 50 years in mainstream media.

Principles and Free Speech

When MediaWorks hired me two and a half years earlier, they said they wanted my opinion; but that promise seemed to evaporate when my views conflicted with official narratives. As someone who believes in free speech and honest opinion, I couldn’t compromise my integrity for the sake of corporate comfort. My departure, though unceremonious, was a matter of principle.

Vindication and the Mainstream Narrative

Over the past five years, I have waited for vindication – for some acknowledgment that the questions I raised about vaccine mandates were not only relevant but necessary. The mainstream media, steadfast supporters of the Ardern government, echoed the Labour government's plans for mass vaccination, often without question. My own skepticism was not rooted in a lifelong anti-vax attitude. On the contrary, I was vaccinated against flu, tetanus, and shingles when I turned 65 in 2019, all done in a matter of minutes.

My hesitancy towards the Covid vaccine stemmed from reports of adverse reactions emerging from Israel and the New Zealand government’s lack of transparency regarding its Pfizer contract. Their unwavering belief in the safety and efficacy of a product still officially under trial only increased my suspicion. Thus began my questioning—an inquiry that cost me my career but, in retrospect, was justified.

Unveiling the Truth: The Work of RCR Researchers

I've closely followed the work of RCR researchers, especially Katie Ashby-Koppens, whose investigative efforts over the past five years have been nothing short of remarkable. In August 2021, around the time management was admonishing me for my “anti vax” views, a ministerial group including Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, Andrew Little, and Ayesha Verrall rejected advice from the Covid Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG) and Director General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield. The advice was clear: because of the risk of myocarditis, 12 to 17-year-olds should not receive a second dose of the vaccine or at least should have a longer interval between doses.

The ministerial group ignored this expert guidance and pressed ahead with the second dose, publicising its importance, especially for teenagers. Over 300,000 young New Zealanders received the second Pfizer dose despite warnings. The scientific and medical advice was set aside in favour of political expediency. This decision, made with full knowledge of potential risks, is a stain on the country’s governance.

Accountability and Media Silence

Those responsible for these decisions, many of whom now enjoy comfortable positions, have yet to face any real consequences. Jacinda Ardern resides in Australia, Grant Robertson holds a lucrative university post, Andrew Little is Wellington’s mayor, and Chris Hipkins aspires to reclaim the prime ministership. Despite these revelations, mainstream media coverage is sparse. Dr. Ayesha Verrall, still an MP, dismissed the story as “fake news” when approached for comment about the 300,000+ teenagers potentially exposed to harm.

The Royal Commission’s second phase was a disappointment; key figures were not summoned, and hard questions went unasked. The government’s response to this potential ticking time bomb is equally disheartening. The lack of accountability is a betrayal to the public, especially to the parents and children affected.

Commending the Real Heroes

I want to commend Voices for Freedom, New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science (NZDSOS), and other activist groups for their persistence in uncovering the truth. Their efforts, often met with resistance and ridicule, are vital. Though progress is slow and the breakthrough seems distant, their work lays the foundation for eventual change.

Looking Forward

Sooner or later, a leader with integrity will acknowledge what happened in 2021 and take meaningful action. The real heroes of the Covid response are those who have diligently sought and exposed the truth. Their work is not yet finished, but it is indispensable. For now, I enjoy a quiet life in the country and wait for the day when honest answers and accountability prevail in New Zealand.