Debate - Paul Henry?

I liked him, I thought he was funny but also thought he went well over the line with the comments re the GG. Haven't seen the video of the comments re the indian ladies name but rather than being racially motivated I would say it is more of a case of a little boy thinking someones name is funny.

The fact that he won the peoples choice award at the qantas awards shows that many NZ'ers like his humour (but again, agree he went too far on this occasion and a few others, the tomatoes and the hispanic people springs to mind).

I don't personally like him very much. Not so much because of his comments, but because he seems rather snarky & negative in general. However having never met it I don't dwell on those judgements too much as I have no idea what he is really like.

In terms of his comments, I always think you should judge something by its fruits. For example, does a comment unsettle people into stopping and thinking about a topic / reassessing their conclusions (which is a good thing) or is just plain nastiness that serves to purpose but to edify himself and tear others down? Challenging people to think and question is good but just squashing others down is totally unhelpful.

There's little doubt that the presenter role he was in required somone quick on their feet who would make people think. That is why he was hired. TVNZ would've known he'd push the envelope and that was what they wanted. Did he cross the line? Probably but the fact that the Indian govt got all up in arms seems a bit excessive to me. He is an individual with his own opinions, and although in his role he should've been more careful, NZ shouldn't be judged for one persons comments.

Should he have stayed? Again, not sure. The role needs a dynamic person who can question the status quo but perhaps it was too restricting for someone as bolshy as him.

I am also a fan, I am bummed he resigned, breakfast certainly wont be the same without him!  I do think he crossed the line though this time!  Wonder how long before we see him back on tv again?