Hairy lip comment brush with censors

The march towards political correctness has not proceeded as far in New Zealand compared to the UK and there is a general delight expressed when unwritten PC rules are transgressed.

That doesn't mean insulting comments or behaviour goes un-remarked upon or that differences are not tolerated. But for one female guest on TVNZ it meant an accusation of moustache cultivation.

On March 25, Henry read viewer comments that a female guest, Greenpeace worker Stephanie Mills, had a moustache.

A TVNZ spokeswoman, Megan Richards, said yesterday that the broadcaster had upheld the complaints against Henry because Ms Mills was treated unfairly, reports the Dominion post.

All 30 people who complained received a letter of apology for their offended ears.

This has instigated a lively debate over at Kiwiblog, and many commentators are indignant that the "truth is the victim."

But truth has nothing to do with it. Kiwis love pushing PC boundaries to the limit, it's part of their national character.

Currently there is a bill-board campaign doing the rounds calling Paris Hilton "vacant" (pretty directly, in fact), and another ad for love-balls (whatever they are) with a woman praying in church with a mischievous smile on her face. (Implications are clear).

These are not at all funny.