This 1976 TV2 report covers the launch of Gordon McLauchlan’s book Passionless People in Eketahuna, a town he had derided in newspaper columns as an epicentre of New Zealand conformity. Within the book’s pages the author infamously called Kiwis "smiling zombies" – lazy, smug, and a bunch of moaners. McLauchlan bravely visits the local pub, and stands in front of the 'hot pies' sign to muse about sexuality. Ex-All Black Brian Lochore is MC at the launch, where McLauchlan is put on mock trial in stocks at the town hall. Passionless People was a runaway best seller.
I've read most of it. I've had it for two or three weeks, and go to bed each night thinking that I'm going to read another few pages, and drop off pretty quickly...– All Black Brian Lochore 'helps' launch Gordon McLaughlan's book
Television Two (TV2)
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