Commentary: Shining a light on light-shiners

CATHIE BELL

The author is a Marlborough writer and former journalist who organised the World Press Freedom Day rally in Blenheim.

It was an honour to start a new annual tradition in Marlborough by holding a candleight rally to mark World Press Freedom Day at Seymour Square on the evening of 3 May, 2026.

Press freedom is an important part of maintaining the integrity of social institutions. Without strong trusted public institutions, our society starts to fall apart.

For us in New Zealand, having this event so soon after Anzac Day is timely, as it was for freedom of proper institutions like the Government, Parliament, courts, and media for which New Zealanders fought and died.

At times when these freedoms are under threat, and our community togetherness starts to fray, we need to band together to build up our communities.

It’s through our local newspapers, such as the Marlborough Weekly, and the work of journalists – edited and checked before printing – that we know what is happening in our region. And we need to support our local media, so they can support us.

Press freedom internationally is in decline, and information manipulation, including the use of AI by malicious actors, is weakening trust and national security. At the same time, independent media face growing economic fragility.

The Blenheim rally was prompted by the grassroots advocacy group Ink-stained Wretches and the #SpotlightPressFreedom Campaign to raise awareness for the 3 May UN World Press Freedom Day. Blenheim is one of the first places in New Zealand to mark the day, which is celebrated internationally by lighting local monuments blue (as was the fountain in Seymour Square).

By fostering access to reliable information, accountability, dialogue, and trust, press freedom and independent journalism are key to peace, economic recovery, sustainable development, and human rights – here in Marlborough, throughout New Zealand, and internationally.