Paul Henry visits pub that burned Jacinda Ardern’s book
New Zealand TV host and Act list candidate Paul Henry visited the Black Dog Tavern, a pub known for controversially burning former PM Jacinda Ardern's book. Henry addressed about 60 supporters, outlining Act's principles of smaller government and economic growth, and discussed topics like genetic engineering and AI, while standing beneath a Confederate flag.
Why it matters
This event showcases the intersection of political campaigning, local sentiment, and controversial symbols in New Zealand, reflecting a segment of the electorate's views and the challenges politicians face in navigating public opinion.
Paul Henry gives his speech at the Black Dog Tavern in Makotuku near Dannevirke under a Confederate flag. Photo / Jack Riddell
High-profile TV host turned Act list candidate Paul Henry’s campaign tour took an unusual turn into a country pub near Dannevirke.
Henry yesterday visited the politically charged Black Dog Tavern in Makotuku near Dannevirke, where he found about 60 enthusiastic supporters to share a tipple with.
He’d been invited to the pub by owner Brendon Wilson, who made headlines when he controversially held a book burning event for former PM Jacinda Ardern’s autobiography in March .
Henry told Hawke’s Bay Today he preferred democracy to book burning, but he understood why some people might have attended that event.
At midday on Thursday, he entered the pub and got himself a house red, for which he then apologised to the predominantly beer-drinking crowd.
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