GIGO

The Wonder of Science

Synchronicity has struck in the form of a Cabinet Minister's press release, an entry to our science journalism competition, and a radio item on the Natural History Unit.

According to the latter, TVNZ has 40 NHU documentaries which they won't show, partly because they aren't about New Zealand per se, but about "other places" like the Pacific and the sub-Antarctic which don't interest New Zealanders. While I don't think that logic works, neither does TVNZ's maths -- 15 or so of the 40 do feature New Zealand life and wildlife.

When asked to comment, the Minister of Communications said it was nothing to do with him. It was a shame that Maurice Williamson did not see any relevance to his role as Minister of Research, Science and Technology. After all, he's just launched a laudable promotion programme calling upon enthusiasts in science to spread the message of the economic, environmental and social value of science and technology.

Yet he apparently does not see the connection between the immensely positive aspects of quality, home-grown documentaries such as those by the NHU and equally positive public perceptions of an area of science in which New Zealand is a world leader. And by that lack of vision we all lose out. Not only do we lose the chance to see ourselves and our country's science, but we also lose the chance to demonstrate political leadership and foresight in the promotion of science.

We need both visions if we are to encourage any general appreciation for the role of science in our everyday lives. This is something which should be obvious to all -- it's certainly understood by 7-year-old Hedley Stirrat who wrote to us of her enthusiastic support for the natural history documentary slot Our World:

I wouldn't have the chance to see all the wildlife if we didn't watch "Our World". It is different from other programmes because it is true and it is about everything I do not know but want to know about...it show me things I wouldn't see and things that move me. It is the only programme our whole family watches together.

Yes Minister, as you say, science and technology is wonderful -- so why not help us see some of that wonder?

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.