News Front
Jessica Macfarlane (February 1, 2018)
Prime time presenters call it quits
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Colin Peacock
When: 15/12/2017
Skeptic summary: Happy day! Climate change denier quits radio
Newstalk ZB host Leighton Smith announces resignation
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Emma Hatton
When: 4/12/2017
Skeptic summary: Happy day! Another climate change denier quits radio
Doug Edmeades: Media accepts pseudoscience drivel unchallenged
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Doug Edmeades
When: 9/10/2017
Skeptic summary: Soil scientist Doug bemoans the unchallenged airtime given to the idea that chemical fertilisers destroy soil health.
Human rights issues bite in fluoride test case, top court told
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Ann Marie May
When: 16/11/2017
Skeptic summary: People who think fluoride is bad for them despite the evidence to the contrary drag their case through the courts.
Destiny accused of stalling over charity status
Where: www.newshub.co.nz
Who: (author unknown)
When: 4/11/2017
Skeptic summary: After being told to “trust in Jesus”, two of Destiny Church's charities have been de-registered, and now they are accused of stalling. This is after a Tax Exempt private school of theirs was found to be on a waiting list for charity from KidsCan charity.
Anti-vaxxers extremely dangerous: Brian Cox
Where: www.nzherald.co.nz
Who: (author unknown)
When: 7/11/2017
Skeptic summary: True. We love Brian Cox. Check out The infinite Monkey Cage podcast for a wonderful mix of science discussion and comedy.
The New Zealand Pregnancy book: Tips from the Author
Where: www.rnz.co.nz
Who: Jesse Mulligan
When: 20/11/2017
Skeptic summary: Jesse interviews author Sue Pullon who supports pseudoscience by saying Acupressure C bands make a difference for some women, and that she is open to the idea of Acupuncture for pregnant women.
The downfall of a former wellness star
Where: www.rnz.co.nz
Who: Jesse Mulligan
When: 20/11/2017
Skeptic summary: Belle Gibson's crimes are revealed in a new book. Jesse Mulligan interviews author Nick Toscano.
Acupuncturists reject study on misleading claims
Where: www.rnz.co.nz
Who: Emma Hatton
When: 5/12/2017
Skeptic summary: Well done Daniel Ryan, your study is ruffling feathers.
Why vagina cleaning fads are unnecessary and dangerous
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Deborah Bateson
When: 13/12/2017
Skeptic summary: Among other dodgy practices, Gwyneth Paltrow's steam throne idea is nicely called out for the dangerous waste of time that it is.
Crooked: Is the back-pain industry doing more harm than good
Where: www.noted.co.nz
Who: Jules Older
When: 20/11/2017
Skeptic summary: Jules talks to Crooked author Cathryn Jakobson Ramin "Among Ramin's villains: most chiropractors and many physiotherapists, physicians who rely too heavily on MRI, epidural-steroid injectors, plenty of back surgeons, almost all bionic-spine manufacturers, and the myriad of opioid prescribers. But the main target of her sharp scalpel is spinal fusion surgery. "
Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster breaks another milestone in New Zealand
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Thomas Manch
When: 15/12/17
Skeptic summary: Björn Oback, a German-born biologist was the first person in the world to swear an oath of affirmation on Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster's official holy text known as 'Treasures' at his New Zealand citizenship ceremony in Hamilton.