The Good Word Debate

Auckland's St Matthew-in-the-City was the setting for three special debates presented by literary show The Good Word. Members of the arts community debate the following topics; We still need the great New Zealand novel (2009); The (physical) book is dead (2010); and New Zealand books deserve special treatment (2011). With the ever jovial Te Radar hosting, writer Emily Perkins and ex Listener editor Finlay Macdonald lead the affirmative and negative teams. They're backed by a rotation of local legends, like Roger Hall, Steve Braunias and (on opposing teams) CK Stead and  Charlotte Grimshaw. The arguments range from funny to heartfelt to cutting. For a quick guide to the teams, go here.

...so there they are, our valiant literary warriors; present and reasonably correct. I wish you all the best of Vintner's Luck. I have no idea whether that's actually a good thing — I'm waiting for the movie.

– Host Te Radar introduces the debaters for 2009

Key Cast & Crew

Steve Braunias

Negative team (2009, 2011), Affirmative team (2010)

Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Affirmative team (2010)

Finlay Macdonald

Negative team

Colin Hogg

Producer

Te Radar

Presenter

Brendon Butt

Director