A bold new video series, hosted by talented broadcast journalists Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell, is about to launch on the Herald, fearlessly tackling the tough topics Kiwis often avoid or feel uncomfortable discussing.
Produced by Herd Productions with funding from NZ On Air, The Elephant kicks off tomorrow - Thursday 25 September and will encourage open, honest discussions with guests covering various perspectives, without the fear of offence or cancellation.
Kamo and Crysell will take on some of today’s most divisive and pressing issues — from gender identity and racial inequality to drug reform and the future of contact sports.
Sarah Bristow, NZME Managing Editor – Multimedia Content 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.”
Miriama Kamo says 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,” she says.
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 first episode in the series is ‘The Shame Game’ featuring Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman. The episode examines what it’s like to be in the middle of a public shaming - can you ever erase your digital stain?
The Elephant launches this Thursday 25 September and is available on nzherald.co.nz and in podcast format on iHeartRadio. Full episodes will also be available via NZ Herald’s YouTube channel.
ENDS