Key Takeaways
- Speaker Gerry Brownlee is considering a temporary ban or censure of Stuff Digital after deeming a photograph of Minister Louise Upston taken from Parliament’s “black and white tiles” as overstepping filming rules.
- The Press Gallery maintains that the photo and accompanying interview attempt were permitted under existing guidelines, arguing any dispute should be resolved through formal complaint channels, not access restrictions.
- Brownlee acknowledges the press gallery’s important role but argues standards have slipped, suggesting a need for balance between journalistic access and MPs’ privacy.
- The Press Gallery executive issued a formal letter warning that Brownlee’s interpretation could cause a “dramatic reduction in access” and threaten media freedom in New Zealand.
- Stuff Digital’s editor‑in‑chief Keith Lynch stands by the story, asserting no rules were broken and expressing willingness to engage directly with the Speaker to resolve the matter.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute originated from a Stuff Digital report on Social Development Minister Louise Upston’s weekly $1,000 accommodation allowance for her Wellington apartment. As part of the story, a Stuff camera operator captured footage of Upston while she walked through a corridor near Parliament’s “black and white tiles.” A still from that footage was used in the article, and the crew later attempted to interview Upston near Copperfields café in the Beehive, where she declined to comment. The Speaker, Gerry Brownlee, objected to the manner in which the image was obtained, claiming it violated Parliament’s filming regulations.
Speaker Brownlee’s Position and Considered Actions
In an interview with RNZ, Brownlee asserted that Stuff had breached the rules by taking a “long‑range photograph… through the Grand Hall into a corridor that is not for general filming.” He described the action as “a bit … too far” and indicated he was contemplating either a censure or a slight suspension of Stuff’s access to the Parliamentary precinct. Brownlee stressed that no final decision had been made and that he would meet with the “offended editors” when Parliament reconvened in two weeks. He also noted that he had not received a formal complaint but acted after viewing the photograph personally.
Press Gallery’s Defence of Its Practices
The Press Gallery executive and political editors responded with a formal letter to the Speaker, warning that Brownlee’s interpretation would amount to “a dramatic reduction in access” and undermine media freedom. They argued that the filmed locations—both the black‑and‑white tiled area and the space outside Copperfields café—are expressly permitted under the Gallery’s rules for filming and interviewing MPs. The letter urged Brownlee to reconsider, emphasizing that any concerns about editorial content should be addressed through established complaint mechanisms rather than by curtailing journalists’ access to Parliament.
Minister Upston’s Response and the Wider Context
Louise Upston, who also serves as Leader of the House, told RNZ she had sought clarification on the filming rules from the Speaker but did not lodge a formal complaint. Her statement underscored that she was not personally pursuing disciplinary action against Stuff, even though she declined the interview attempt. The incident fits into a broader pattern Brownlee referenced, where he perceives “a little bit of a slipping of standards across the gallery” in recent times, suggesting a need to reassess how journalists interact with parliamentary spaces.
Stuff Digital’s Stance and Commitment to Dialogue
Keith Lynch, editor‑in‑chief of Stuff Digital, maintained that the organization believes no rules were violated. He noted that other senior members of the Press Gallery share this view and affirmed that the photograph accompanied a story of significant public interest. Lynch expressed willingness to engage directly with the Speaker to resolve the disagreement, highlighting Stuff’s commitment to transparent reporting while respecting parliamentary protocols.
Implications for Press Freedom and Parliamentary Access
The standoff raises critical questions about the balance between media scrutiny and the privacy expectations of elected officials within New Zealand’s parliamentary precinct. If Brownlee proceeds with restrictions on Stuff’s access, it could set a precedent limiting where journalists may film or interview MPs, potentially affecting the Press Gallery’s ability to hold power to account. Conversely, upholding the current permissions reinforces the principle that robust journalistic access is vital to a healthy democracy, provided it operates within clearly defined, mutually understood guidelines. The outcome of the upcoming discussions between the Speaker and the Press Gallery will likely shape the future landscape of media‑parliament relations in New Zealand.