Lisa Austin
Date Range
Score Range
RNZ : Auditor-general decides not to porsecute Nelson councillor over financial interests
Framing the councillor as wrongfully targeted and now rightfully included
[appeal_to_emotion] The councillor's emotional description of the situation as 'very distressing' and relief at resolution frames her as a victim of an overzealous system, inviting sympathy.
“"It's been very distressing, and I am pleased it's been resolved," she said.”
Stuff.co.nz : Nelson councillor avoids prosecution over business conflict, mayor blasts ‘outdated’ law
Framed as included, supported, and unjustly burdened by flawed system
[appeal_to_emotion]
“It’s been very distressing, and I am pleased it’s been resolved. Thank you to everyone who has supported me”
RNZ : Nelson councillor could face prosecution because of 'outdated' rules
Councillor is framed as being unjustly excluded despite democratic mandate
The repeated emphasis on her being 'democratically elected' and the suggestion that removing her would harm public confidence frames her removal as an undemocratic exclusion, appealing to emotional and civic values.
“She was democratically elected last October and it is neither fair to her - nor, more importantly, to the people of Nelson who voted for councillor Austin - for her to be excluded from council”
Stuff.co.nz : Nelson councillor risks dismissal, prosecution for business conflict, mayor calls the law an ‘ass’
Councillor framed as unfairly excluded despite due process concerns
Austin is portrayed as a victim of overreach—'very distressing', 'impossible catch-22'—with emphasis on her democratic mandate and personal distress, suggesting she is being unjustly targeted rather than held to account.
“This situation is very distressing. I do not feel able to participate in council meetings today and tomorrow with this hanging over me.”