These appeals examine whether broadcasters have a responsibility to verify factual claims about climate and extreme weather, accurately represent the historical evidence and correct reports when those claims are challenged.
The cases concern reports describing a Dunedin rainfall event as the city’s “wettest day in over a century” and Hamilton as experiencing its “hottest days” during a heatwave. Wishart argues the available historical records did not support those descriptions.
These appeals are not about whether climate change is real. They are about the standards that should apply when broadcasters report factual claims to the public.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the campaign and helped make these appeals possible.
We will publish updates at Centrist.nz as the cases progress.