Columns

Being a celebrity in New Zealand is like being a virgin at St Margaret’s – it’s not that hard and they’re, well, everywhere.

This week we explore this country’s recent infatuation with the cult of celebrity, which is fuelled more than ever by the gossip pages in the Sunday papers. Apparently, these days it is like the single greatest thing ever to get ‘Spy’ed’ and wind up in the Herald on Sunday rubbing shoulders with the jewel-encrusted shoulders of the likes of Gilda Kirkpatrick and Julie Christie. Who? Yeah, we don’t know either …
   As part of this investigation, Thomas Redford spoke to former Good Morning host Steve Gray. Why not? The interview, on p26, turned out to be one of the single greatest and most salacious things I have ever read. Ever. Unfortunately, our lawyers agreed, and made us blank half the thing out. They like physically made us. I’m sorry. It’s still good though. (Although the views expressed in no way reflect those of Planet Media, Critic, or its employees).
   And if you’re worried that your missing out on all the celeb action down in Dunedin, our profile writer Georgie Fenwicke proves that many Otago grads do in fact go on to take their place in the world of glitz, glamour, and professional fame. We also churn out some good scientists, authors, athletes, and talkback radio hosts: see p20.
   Georgie also went bananas over her interview with Florence from Florence and the Machine. There were interviews in toilets, op shops, and parties in the VIP rooms of Auckland nightclubs courtesy of a Critic media pass. Very rock ‘n’ roll. Read all about it on p16.