NZ Herald tackles taboo with video series The Elephant

NZ Herald has a launched a new video series called The Elephant that aims to tackle topics people feel uncomfortable discussing.

The Elephant is produced by Herd Productions with funding from NZ On Air. It is hosted by broadcast journalists Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell.

The series launched on September 25 with its first episode: ‘The Shame Game’. The episode features Wellington mayor Tory Whanau and former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, examining what it’s like to be in the middle of a public shaming.

Kamo and Crysell will also look at other issues including gender identity and racial inequality to drug reform and the future of contact sports.

NZME managing editor – multimedia content Sarah Bristow says: “We need more conversations like this in society and who better to delve deep into the uncomfortable than seasoned journalists like Miri and Mark. Between them they have decades of experience working in current affairs and journalism, and I’m thrilled the NZ Herald – with the support of NZ On Air – has been able to partner with them to create this much-needed video series.”

‘Always worthwhile’

Kamo adds The Elephant is all about the contest of ideas, not the conflict.

“Our aim is to listen. I want to hear what people have to say, even when (especially when) I disagree. So often, we tiptoe around the big issues. The Elephant is our chance to sit down, wānanga properly, and maybe have a laugh along the way. It’s not about winning the argument – it’s about understanding each other better.

“Don’t watch The Elephant for easy answers. Watch it for kōrero that challenges you, surprises you, maybe even shifts your view a little. We want it to feel like whānau around the table – passionate, honest, sometimes funny, sometimes messy, but always worthwhile.”

The Elephant: creating space to argue your case

Mark Crysell says the series represents a vital response to increasing polarisation.

“The Elephant is about creating a space where people with different views can argue their case without fear of offence or cancellation. No echo chambers, no rhetorical grenades lobbed from the sidelines. We’re here to illuminate, not incinerate.

“There are so many things we should be talking about but avoid because we don’t want to offend or get cancelled. That’s where The Elephant comes in. If it’s too rude for dinner, it’s perfect for us. It might be an old-school idea to hear both sides of an argument — but we’re rebooting it for the digital age with NZME’s large audience reach,” says Crysell.

The Elephant is available on nzherald.co.nz and in podcast format on iHeartRadio. Full episodes will also be available via NZ Herald’s YouTube channel.

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