Political animal slouches towards Hamilton

He’s been called a mad, slathering attack dog, barking and biting at anything that moves in parliament – but Patrick Gower, the controversial political editor at 3 News, claims he’s an underdog.

Gower is guest speaker at the Wintec Press Club free lunch extravaganza in Hamilton on August 23.

His combative style has made him a household name – and the subject of vitriolic abuse – since he joined the press gallery in 2010.

Gower, who began his journalism career in Hamilton, promises he will speak candidly about his approach when he features as the latest guest speaker at the Wintec Press Club.

He says, “I’ve busted Rodney ‘the perk buster’ Hide for using perks, been called a ‘deceitful bastard’ by Don Brash, drank from the teapot tapes, and tangled with both Camp David’s, Cunliffe and Shearer.

“When taking on the political spin machine, journos are up against an apparatus with the sole purpose of pulling the wool over the public’s eyes. That makes us journos and the public the underdogs, but thankfully we still chalk up a victory or two. It’s an important job – and it’s a lot of fun too.”

Gower is the latest speaker to be invited by Wintec editor-in-residence Steve Braunias. The press club events are held three times a year on behalf of journalism students at Wintec. As well as students and staff, the audience features an invite-only crowd of about 100 identities in sport, politics, business and the arts in the Waikato, Auckland, and beyond.

Past speakers include Michael Laws, actress Robyn Malcolm, the late Sir Paul Holmes, the late defence lawyer Greg King, Winston Peters, and 7Sharp presenter Jesse Mulligan.

Braunias said, “It’s about time we had an actual journalist. I’m a great admirer of Patrick’s work. He cheers me up.

“Plus the fact that he seems so loathed by politicians and media commentators confirms that he’s doing an awesome job.”

Gower will speak for about 30 minutes at the Press Club luncheon, followed by a Q + A session.

He previously attended the Press Club last year when he reported on the address given by Winston Peters. He says, “Speaking at the Wintec Press Club is a great honour – and ever since Winston got to put a free hit on the media last year, I’ve been desperate to even the ledger.”

The 12-2pm lunch will be held at the Ferrybank restaurant and convention centre in Grantham St, on the banks of the Waikato River in downtown Hamilton.