Can’t say “yes”, won’t say “no”, impossible to answer “no comment” without revealing the “no” answer, silence or – eventually – anger is the only response left.

In a court of law a “yes” or “no” can be forced. But only so far even there. The odd thing is, if “yes” is forced out, when “no” is the truth, the onus then comes on the plaintiff to prove that a lie was committed! And, worse, that the lie was given with the knowledge that it was a lie.

And so it goes, as Vonnegut said.

Confession may be good for the soul, but it is not good for either the paycheck or career.

Eventually NIWA will be able to resort to, “We’ve been answering that question for a long time, but you are not satisfied. We will not respond to this question any more.”

In all of life, the technical parts are easy. It is the people-parts that are difficult.