Acclaimed author Eleanor Catton has responded to the outcry over comments she made criticising the Government.
The Man Booker Prize winner sparked controversy when she told foreign reporters New Zealand was dominated by "neo-liberal, profit-obsessed" politicians who didn't care about culture.
The comments sparked a mixed response, with Prime Minister John Key saying he was disappointed in Catton.
In a statement she says in most modern democracies a writer's opinion isn't considered shocking.
Catton has also vowed to further discuss what she's labelled as vicious, inflammatory and patronising things published by the New Zealand media.
"I've been speaking freely to foreign journalists ever since I was first published overseas, and have criticised the Key government, neo-liberal values, and our culture of anti-intellectualism many times.
"The truly shocking thing would be the writer who only spoke in praise of her country; who was unequivocal in gratitude and platitude; who swore fealty to her government, rather than to deep-felt values or ideals; who regarded arts funding as hush money and a part-time teaching position as an intellectual gag. I hope that that author does not exist today; but if she does, she is the one who should make the news.
"I will of course discuss the frightening swiftness with which the powerful Right move to discredit and silence those who question them, and the culture of fear and hysteria that prevails. But I will hope for better, and demand it."
3 News
source: newshub archive
