The Mispress Wednesday, September 3, 1986. P.m.’s... (Press, 3 September 1986)

On 3 September 1986, a news story reported on Prime Minister David Lange's decision to halt his annual "state of the nation" address to the Whakatane Rotary Club, which had hosted the event for the past three years. The Prime Minister's new stance is a response to a recent Labour Party conference decision that suggested he should address a "more representative audience." In line with this mandate, Lange announced he would no longer speak to groups he perceives as discriminatory against women. This new policy seems to stem from a difficult party conference where Lange's government faced some tough criticism. His decision has led to a broader statement regarding the types of organisations he is willing to engage with, as he revealed he has also turned down invitations from organisations that are "uniformly homosexual." While Lange's criteria for speaking engagements is his prerogative, critics argue that he might inadvertently exclude himself from numerous opportunities. By refusing to engage with organisations that have female-only segments, Lange risks alienating groups such as the Inner Wheel (which supports women's causes), the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, the Federation of University Women, the Maori Women’s Welfare League, and the League of Mothers. The article suggests that Lange's approach may severely limit his audience, especially considering that some labour organisations, like the Pulp and Paper Workers’ Federation, promote policies that discriminate against women. On the other hand, the Rotary Club expressed confidence in their ability to secure alternative speakers, asserting that they could find individuals who are just as capable and perhaps more engaging than politicians. Furthermore, there are those who might welcome Lange's new direction, as it could result in listeners hearing less from politicians and consuming less political content. Lange's comments about Whakatane being a challenging venue for media coverage imply a desire for increased visibility for his speeches rather than diminished media attention. In summary, Lange's decision reflects a significant shift in his outreach strategy, motivated by party policy and criticism. However, it raises concerns about potential self-imposed limitations on his public speaking engagements, as well as the implications for representation in political discussions.

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