I'm writing with regards to your story "Baby Steps" in the August 27 issue.
In all honesty I'm a little appalled at the writing style that Mr Barratt has chosen to adopt. Jenny Prince is a strong woman who has had an amazing career which has successfully led her to her
current appointment as the new Plunket chief executive.
What saddens me is a large part of the story focused on her nervousness during the
interview, the fact that she's not media savvy and her uncertainty (which had nothing to do with her new role and everything to do with the interview). It is the journalist's job to put their interviewees at ease (which says a lot about his journalistic style).
Instead, a picture was painted of a woman who may not be able to handle the job at all "but an impression remains that this nice-natured lady will be on a steep learning curve... seemingly unsure... by now she has relaxed into our conversation... don't be too hard on me... ''
I question whether Mr Barratt would have used the same descriptions if Jenny had been a man. The overall tone was one of condescension as if he was patting her on the head as she went off to start school. Perhaps if Mr Barratt had focused more on her accomplishments and less on the interview process then the public could be assured that Plunket is in good hands.
I have faith in her ability - even if Mr Barratt does not.
Kylie Horomia
