Sir Bob Jones’ best NZ Herald columns: He pulled no punches with the pen

Opinion

In this collection of 10 of Sir Robert Jones’ most memorable columns published in the Herald, we revisit the barbs, brilliance and belly-laughs that made his writing essential reading – whether you agreed with him or not.

From his savage take on beggars and bureaucracy to his musings on fatherhood, hats, and the folly of floodwaters, this is vintage Jones: fearless, funny, and fundamentally resistant to mediocrity.

He courted controversy, sometimes deservedly so. Jones didn’t chase outrage – he chased truth, or at least a cracking good argument. And more often than not, he found it.

Sir Bob Jones was fearless, funny, and fundamentally resistant to mediocrity. Photo / Richard Robinson

As we farewell one of the most distinctive columnists in New Zealand journalism, we honour the man who wrote with style, provocation and just the right amount of swagger.

Jones didn’t pull punches. He threw them – with panache.

Gutless critics not worth the time

Jones defends the Māori King’s stance on online abuse and critiques anonymous internet commentary.

​Sick of nanny state? Well say hello to a nappy one

Jones’ satirical take on overregulation, likening modern safety measures to infantilisation.

Enrich poor with home ownership

Jones advocates for home ownership as a means to uplift economically disadvantaged communities.

All that red tape’s tying us in knots

He critiques bureaucratic hurdles hindering development and progress in New Zealand.

Who’s ya daddy? Could be anyone

A humorous exploration of paternity and societal perceptions of fatherhood.

Get ahead – go and get a hat

He ponders the fashion trends and the social significance of wearing hats.

Soviet service alive and well at AA

Jones criticises customer service experiences reminiscent of Soviet-era bureaucracy.

Clear winner in science vs religion

He argues in favour of scientific reasoning over religious beliefs in contemporary society.

Keep statues just for our own greats

He advocates for commemorating local heroes through public monuments.

It’s simply a case of creaming the opposition

Jones reflects on competitive spirit and the importance of striving for excellence.