NZ Herald apologises for plagiarism
Title -- 4468 NZ: Herald apologises for plagiarism
Date -- 28 July 2004
Byline -- None
Origin -- Pacific Media Watch
Source -- Waikato Times 28/7/2004
Copyright -- Stuff website
Status -- Unabridged
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NZ HERALD APOLOGISES FOR PLAGIARISM
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2985339a11,00.html
HAMILTON (Waikato Times/Pacific Media Watch): The Waikato Times writes great stories – just ask the New Zealand Herald.
The Auckland-based Herald today ran a prominent apology for plagiarising, or copying, a Times feature article on former New Zealand Maori rugby league captain Tawera Nikau in its Canvas magazine last Saturday.
The original feature was published in the Times in March, written by Lester Thorley, but large tracts of it ran in the Herald under Renee Kiriona's byline on Saturday.
The Herald today said it took issues of plagiarism seriously. "Thorley's work was incorporated into the story after a reporter downloaded material from a website. . . to which Nikau had directed us, which carried an unattributed transcript of the Times' article."
The Times was unable to reach Herald editor Tim Murphy this morning, but Kiriona, 25, and a recent graduate from Waiariki Institute of Technology, said her bosses were "very, very, disappointed" with her.
Asked what disciplinary action had been taken against her, she said she wasn't sure and directed us back to her bosses.
"I don't mean to be difficult, they've asked me not to say anything. I'm not at work today if that's any hint."
Plagiarism is a serious issue in journalism that has ended careers. The most high-profile recent case was New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, who was caught out for making up a series of articles.
The Press newspaper sacked its film reviewer in 2002 for plagiarism.
Waikato Times editor Bryce Johns said those in the industry would carefully watch the outcome of the Herald case.
"Reporters just don't go on the internet and copy other people's stuff. I'm disappointed the Herald has not been stronger in its condemnation of this practice."
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