The announcement by publisher NZME that it was closing the Kāpiti News and Horowhenua Chronicle and 12 other community newspapers by Christmas was a shock.

I knew some local newspapers were struggling, but our two regional papers seemed to be doing OK. That might ultimately prove to be correct, if, as rumoured, there’s local interest in reviving them or starting entirely new papers to fill the gap.

It’s tough in journalism at the moment, and we can only feel for the jobs that have been put on the line.

There’s also the huge issue of news information. The void left by the closure of the last of our regional newspapers will be hard to fill. Where else will council, real estate, car yard and other advertisers go? If the gap is filled by the clutter and dross created by social media, god help us all.

On the subject of local journalism, we published an article last month that drew more than the usual number of letters to the editor.

  We were able to publish two letters in this issue because the writers had correctly put their name to them. Others were anonymous, but showed the scribes had an intimate knowledge of the issues, pointing out their view that Ōtaki Today – and more specifically me – had been a bully (and other choice descriptions).

Soon after publication, a copy of Ōtaki Today was returned to our letterbox – again anonymously – with the not so cryptic “Stick it up your”. I assume the writer of this graffitied protest ran out of ink, because I’m still pondering what I should stick it up.

I don’t mind a robust exchange of ideas or opinions, as long as they’re respectful and well thought through. I’m also happy to argue the merits of a local newspaper writing about public figures who might do something silly.

But I need to know who I’m arguing with.

Anonymous letters – either emailed or in the post – show that someone wants to say something nasty, but they’re not game enough to put their name to an accusation or perceived wrong.

Sometimes, common ground can be found, and, if there’s solid evidence, a view might be changed. Debate is healthy in a democratic society.

So also is the need for journalists to have the ability to call out public figures who believe they can do what they like with impunity. Anonymous letters that threaten “consequences”, and graffiti on newspapers, are not helpful to meaningful debate.

I take my role as a local journalist seriously. The support I have received from people to keep doing that keeps me motivated.