In a recent interview with the Northern Advocate the singer said he'd improve his English when te reo was given the respect it deserved and Kiwis pronounced his native tongue properly. That remark, of course, set the critics off again.
Early Monday, there were 155 comments posted on the story.
I'm sure a lot more people will have their say by the time this column goes online and to print and I'll be keeping an eye on it as I think the debate exposes an interesting insight into the way many Kiwis think.
Commenting on stories on a news site such as bayofplentytimes.co.nz can be done anonymously.
Readers choose a user name, add a place name, and that's all others see.
This means people often say exactly what they think. Discussions are usually moderated by editorial staff and swear words are filtered out, but it's a fairly open platform.
This one was posted by "osirisx3" from Avondale: "Stan's the man! Very brave of him to stand up and show how lacking in intelligence he is. I guess he's learned now that nobody gives a damn anyway but he's probably learned the most important thing as well - that it is better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool, then to open it and remove all doubt!"
I also picked out a remark made by "tangihias" from Wynnum: "International recording artist, film star, television personality. Winner of Australian Idol which puts him in league with international stars like Guy Sebastian and Jessica Malboy as well as the winners of the Idol franchise around the globe. What's not to be proud of? Oh that's right, he doesn't speak the queens English! pfft [sic]!"
A reader by the username of "brahdaz" from Manurewa East said: "I don't see anyone criticizing anyone at all for their poor pronunciation of the Maori language. We're talking about people living their whole lives in New Zealand who can't even take the time to get their pronunciation of New Zealand's native language correct. But that's how they've always pronounced Maori words, so why bother, right? I shake my head when I hear Maori place names like 'Karaka' or 'Waikato' pronounced incorrectly, and even worse - It's become the norm! Yes - Why don't we talk about arrogance and ignorance!"
"Auke46" from Hamilton replied, saying: "Gosh - all of the comments make really interesting reading. Is it really that big of a deal that Stan gets the odd phrase incorrect? Or that he believes so strongly in his heritage and culture? Or that, and this is a real kicker, he is brave enough to say what he really thinks. Did he really hurt anyone by saying what he did or are we all getting a little too precious?? I know I'm not perfect. I know that at times, when I don't look at things before I hit 'post' that there likely to be mistakes in my grammar, spelling, tone etc. Is anyone perfect? No. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! Oh, and if all you have to be concerned about in your daily lives are comments made in an article - then count yourself as being lucky. Stan didn't just wake up and get handed his success - he had a journey, some rough patches, low times. Give him a break and just go about your own journey. Because while you are busy worrying about silly remarks, amazing things could be passing you by! [sic]"
It's true, we all notice how poorly the English language gets used by many. Typos are everywhere, and I cringe when someone uses "would of", or "brought" instead of "bought". There is no L in chimney either, but don't we all make mistakes? I will happily admit that I don't always get it right either.
Martine Rolls is a Tauranga writer and digital strategist.
