Nicky Hager
30/04/08 14:17
Nicky Hager
Nicky Hager is typically described as New Zealand’s foremost investigative journalist. His first book, Secret Power was about New Zealand's role in an international spy network. It was published in 1996 and, as if to remind us of the sinister nature of the things he uncovered, on the morning of Nicky’s arrival in Dunedin the news media carried reports of three persons who had broken into the spy base and attempted to damage the satellite receiving station.
He is impartial in his treatment, rallying against injustice and nefarious activities in whatever quarter he finds them. His book Seeds of Distrust, which was about the government’s handling and cover-up of genetic engineering, almost brought down the Labour government. And his following book, The Hollow Men, exposed the seedy side of the National Party and arguably was instrumental in their failure to win the election.
What was clear from Nicky’s talk was that his reputation for being accurate is everything, Despite the dynamite nature of his revelations, he has never been sued. He goes to extraordinary lengths to check details and to protect his sources. In exposing secrets, it seems Nicky Hager has become an expert at keeping them.
Given the straight-talking, honest communication evident in his talk, it was easy for the audience to see why Nicky Hager should have won the trust of so many.
