A little chaos is not a bad thing but a sense of community is vital, according to Dunedin broadcaster Marvin Hubbard.
The host of Otago Access Radio show Community or Chaos says individual choice makes for a vibrant society.
“I think you need a little chaos because life isn’t predetermined, and it shouldn’t be. But without community, existence becomes very, very difficult.”
Mr Hubbard had been a broadcaster for nearly 25 years, having been attracted to making a public access radio show by the opportunity it provided to debate the first Gulf War. Having emigrated from the United States “because of American foreign policy”, his motivation was initially to promote equality and democracy through one-on-one interviews with studio guests.
“I still believe in those things, and in keeping hope alive, but more recently issues around climate change and sustainability have come more into focus for me.”
Dunedin City Councillor Jinty MacTavish had impressed Mr Hubbard through several interviews, for “a breadth of wisdom and caring that is rare in anybody but particularly in an active politician” but it had been a New Zealand doctor working with international medical humanitarian organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres whom he remembered most fondly.
“Her concern for people and her goodness really shone through. She is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met,” he said.
Topics had not been limited to programme staples. Recent shows had included conversations with University of Canterbury professor David Wiltshire, who is exploring the frontiers of theoretical physics and “the meaning of the universe”.
Mr Hubbard’s long-term contribution to community access broadcasting was recognised in 2011 when he was made a life member of the Otago Community Broadcasters Society.
“I think access broadcasting is great for democracy,” he said.
“It’s really important people are informed, locally as well as nationally and internationally. That’s why I do it. You’re doing good work.”
Community or Chaos airs Tuesdays at 11am on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM, and live and podcast from www.oar.org.nz and iTunes