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The Christchurch Civic
Creche Case |
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Frank Haden, whose newspaper
columns attracted more letters to the editor than any other journalist's, has
died in Wellington, aged 77. Haden's no-nonsense approach to
issues provoked strong feelings in readers. Some readers expressed outrage,
but just as many wrote to endorse his views. Haden enjoyed both kinds of
response. He believed a newspaper should
engage its readers in open, informed and robust debate. His columns appeared in several
newspapers, including The Press. Born in Christchurch in 1929 and
educated at St Bede's College, Haden first sought a career in the law but
soon switched to become a reporter at The Press. He worked on several newspapers
before settling in Wellington with his wife and four daughters. In more than 50 years in journalism,
Haden covered events around the world and became a chief reporter, assistant
editor and editor, as well as a columnist. Haden was widely known as a
commentator on the use and abuse of the English language. He developed prostate cancer in
1998. |
