NZ Herald Live Chat with Guest Editor Lucy Lawless–Transcript
12 June 2014
New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless was in the New Zealand Herald newsroom today to guest edit this Friday's edition of the NZ Herald.
Lucy has chosen the theme "A Brighter Day" for her edition. She has commissioned several interviews and photographic initiatives which reflect this.
This is the chat with fans where she discussed the vision for her edition of the New Zealand Herald, her view of the media and news, and her career.
Lucy’s Responses are in red.
Hi everyone, Lucy is with us now for today's live chat.by Paul Harper 10:26 AM
lucy.lawless
Hello people! Got questions? Bring it!
10:27 AM
What would you definitely change about New Zealand when you were given the change to do so?by martine 10:27 AM
lucy.lawless
I would have made us go organic back in the 1980s. Couldn't figure out why Helen Clark didn't go that way
10:28 AM
Lucy, what will be different about tomorrow's Herald compared to the usual paper?by Ed 10:28 AM
lucy.lawless
There's more than 25 assignments I've commissioned - from sustainable farming to a hip-hop artist, Brooke Candy
10:30 AM
Hi Lucy, do you think there is enough climate change coverage in the media? If not, why do you think there is a lack of coverage?by Tina 10:30 AM
lucy.lawless
It is without a doubt the gravest challenge the world faces today but in my opinion most people find it too big to cope with. Sometimes you have to appeal to the economics of it; I find that awful but necessary
10:31 AM
You have played very interesting character roles and now being a guest editor. Are there any further plans in this direction? What are your further projects if you can reveal them ofcourseby martine 10:32 AM
lucy.lawless
I've never had plans of any sort; my plan is to eat life
10:33 AM
Tomorrow's @nzherald features a wonderful interview with my arch-nemesis/main squeeze William Shatner #startrekby lucy.lawless
10:33 AM
You did a lot of preparation for this NZ herald special edition. How do you see 'A brighter day' for New Zealand and for the whole world?by martine 10:34 AM
lucy.lawless
I use brighter in the sense of more intelligent...we can always do things smarter, cleaner, and more profitably. Social profit also has to be factored in.
10:35 AM
lucy.lawless
I did about three days of canvassing other people in interextring walks of life about whatr they thought I should do but in the end, I could only commission things that I felt truly passionate about.
10:36 AM
Hi Lucy, what media sources such as blogs or podcasts do you like to regularly follow?by Claire 10:36 AM
lucy.lawless
@PEI, MSNBC, Daily Show and National Radio in NZ
10:37 AM
lucy.lawless
Sorry, that's Partially Examined Life, a philosophy podcast by four nutty guys.
10:38 AM
NZ Herald guest editor Lucy Lawless answering your questions.
by Paul Harper 10:38 AM
Lucy, I admire the work you've been doing to save our environment. But right now I'm here to ask the inevitable "Xena" question: You tweeted there was some talk about reviving the character. What's the latest?by CH 10:39 AM
lucy.lawless
It goes thru many incarnations. Sometimes I'm in it, sometimes I'm not!
10:40 AM
lucy.lawless
Truthfully, I don't know where it's at. Rob is incommunicado so I can't ask the latest.
10:41 AM
There is talk about doing a Xena movie on facebook and twitter. Are u willing to do a movie if it comes to that?by Melissa 10:40 AM
lucy.lawless
Yes, But can I wear a mumu?
10:41 AM
I see you are wearing 100% ok bracelets. Are there any stories relating to the LGBT communityby Claire 10:42 AM
I just think the Tino Pai idea is great. Straight folks letting gay people know they're 100% okay with you.by lucy.lawless 10:43 AM
lucy.lawless
I hate that kids grow up feeling they are not acceptable because of the wzy they are born. There's no choice in the matter.
10:43 AM
Lucy, do you think the LGBT community is represented in NZ media in an accurate and positive light?by T 10:43 AM
lucy.lawless
You'd have to ask them.
10:44 AM
hei Lucy...thanks to be here today.... about your politics activites, any plan to candidate yourself? can you tell us something about this?by Bianka Brauns 10:44 AM
lucy.lawless
I don't wee myself as political. All things are about fairness or the greater good. I don't always know the answers but unless people can share information, we can't find the best solutions available in the current state of knowledge
10:47 AM
lucy.lawless
Then as we grow wiser, we'll make better decisions. Politics sometimes gets in the way of collective wisdom.
10:47 AM
Hi Lucy. What was the last book or article you read that had a positive influence on your life?by Sarah McNab 10:48 AM
lucy.lawless
Make I have just finished Masha Gessen's 'Words will break Cement' about the Pussy Riot trial. I think it shows the effects on the ground of the Putin's ghasly ascent. I abhor censorship and now understand what cracking down on the right to protest (as has recently happened in NZ), is a civil rights issue.
10:51 AM
lucy.lawless
See also, 'The Man without a Face' also by Masha Gessen.
10:52 AM
Lucy, how did you originally get involved with Greenpeace and its activities in NZ?by SM 10:53 AM
lucy.lawless
When the Greenpeace ship was bombed in Auckland harbour by the French Government, the whole of NZ was galvanised behind them. It was very instrumental in fighting for a Nuclear-Free Pacific. And then I met them while filming a movie about the bombing. And I found them to be great human beings, intelligent, educated, realists but fearlessly fighting for a better world for our kids.
10:56 AM
lucy.lawless
And Kumi Naidoo is a champ!
10:57 AM
How does make you feel knowing that your a role model to so many people? Does it make you nervous.. i always said.. I'm a Lucy Lawless Fan.. you are an amazing woman I am in awe of youby lisaxena 10:57 AM
lucy.lawless
I long ago realised that I am not responsible for whatever it is you guys are attaching to. I have enough on my hands being a reole model to my kids. If you guys do good on behalf of Xena, It's because of your efforts, not mine.
10:59 AM
lucy.lawless
And if you do something stupid, I take no responsibility for that either.
10:59 AM
lucy.lawless
We're all grown ups here
10:59 AM
Hi Lucy, What did you find most challenging about being guest editor?by Christine Elizabeth 11:00 AM
lucy.lawless
Saying Yes.
11:00 AM
lucy.lawless
Tried to weasel out a huyndred different ways
11:01 AM
NZ has the 4th largest EEZ in the world. Less than 0.5% is protected. NZ presents itself to the world as a global leader in ocean management but has little to be proud of when it comes to marine protection. As a nation are we politically apathetic when it comes to our environment? Or unimaginative? Surely our ocean is a national treasure so why don't we value it?by Bronwen @thekermadecs edited by Paul Harper 11:02 AM
lucy.lawless
Coz we trust authority too much? we are in a malaise. It's so snug with our heads in the sand!
11:04 AM
lucy.lawless
I also think the middle class have a very low threshold for pain. The poor are already living with max pain.
11:05 AM
You've been so concerned about the present and future of our planet, what's the main thing you would like your children keep in mind about the environment when they grow up?by sharkerbx 11:04 AM
lucy.lawless
The main project we all have ahead of us is generating our own power. Solar and wind are the best way to cut down our footprint.
11:06 AM
Since you obviously decided to go ahead with being guest editor, what have you found most rewarding about the experience?by SM 11:07 AM
lucy.lawless
Don't know till I see the edition. The team here is pretty magnificent.
11:08 AM
lucy.lawless
I loved doing the interviews, though I'm not sure what interests me is going to interest you all.
11:08 AM
Hey Lucy! Xenite here ^^ Well, the world knows you like Xena the warrior princess and I would like to know if you sometimes don't feel locked in this character, you know, you did so many works after that. Do you ever feel upset about it ?by LiviaVenusAhHa 11:08 AM
lucy.lawless
NOpe. I am grateful for everything tht show gave me.
11:09 AM
lucy.lawless
Great friends, memories, lotta laughs a house a husband, and I guess that means my kids too.
11:09 AM
What was the most interesting topic you managed for this NZ edition?by martine 11:09 AM
lucy.lawless
Shaken Baby prevention and the Sustainable Farming pull out. Why smart farmers are being rewarded for their efforts.
11:10 AM
Are you interested in further study? I read you went back to Uni recently.by Char 11:10 AM
lucy.lawless
Yes, actually. I went to uni cos I couldn't leave the country while the trial was on and it changed my life. I have to thank the justice system for that
11:11 AM
lucy.lawless
plus my community service was the most fun I'd had in ages. Worked in a resthome and hospital for the elderly. It was geat fun
11:12 AM
How do you think we can get environmental and humanitarian messages pushed to the top of the page in today's society?by Emma Bryant 11:12 AM
lucy.lawless
It's very difficult because many people do not see the big picture nor take the long view. So they don't care about what is not whacking them on the head right now.
11:14 AM
lucy.lawless
you have to appeal to enlightened selfinterest. But sometime only pure selfinterest will work.
11:14 AM
The hyena call you used to do as the Warrior Princess - I've always been fascinated as to how you do it! Is there a special technique? And how did it come about? Was it your idea? Ps, Good luck with tomorrow's edition. Original Warrior Princess Fan :)by Happy 11:14 AM
lucy.lawless
It's a bastardized version of the Arabic women's cry. and yes, it's a trick that only the initiated can do. Abandon all hope, pal
11:15 AM
Hey Lucy! What is your favorite character that you have portrayed in recent years? Everyone loves Xena, but what about your other roles?by Laura Caldwell 11:16 AM
lucy.lawless
Lucretia will always hold a special place in my heart. She nearly broke me!
11:18 AM
lucy.lawless
Xena DID break me
11:18 AM
Lucy... i would like to know if you ever had to say NO to act in a movie because you didnt agree with the kind of the character you would perform...by Bianka Brauns 11:18 AM
lucy.lawless
Umm, I did turn down Sharknado recently. actually the role was not bad.
11:19 AM
lucy.lawless
Was that a mistake?
11:20 AM
Hi Lucy, Will you be back on Parks and Rec next season?by rs cyr 11:20 AM
lucy.lawless
Probably at some point.
11:20 AM
lucy.lawless
I got a lovely letter from Nick yesterday. The man is a prince!
11:21 AM
One more question…by Paul Harper 11:21 AM
Hi Lucy! Just wondering what your reaction is when you see many fans, like myself, dress as Xena? Is it weird or do you find it cool?by XenaBattleCry 11:22 AM
lucy.lawless
Help yourself. SOmeone's gotr to!
11:22 AM
lucy.lawless
I loved that photo on Twittter of the XenaLisa. Very funny and well done!
11:23 AM
Follow me thru the day with the hashtag #lucysheraldby lucy.lawless 11:22 AM
Thank you to everyone for your questions, sorry not all of them could be answered today. And thank you Lucy for taking the time out from editing tomorrow’s paper to chat with our readers.by Paul Harper 11:22 AM
lucy.lawless
Mwah!
11:23 AM
Original chat was conducted here