Us Kiwis need some urgent trans-Tasman advice…
This week the Manly Sea Eagles’ Media Manager, Peter Peters has been sacked. His principle indiscretion (if there are others, no one is saying what) seems to be a recent sexist slur – apparently, he told Sky News reporter Megan Barnard she was “a good sort.” And that’s where it gets confusing for me. I lived in NSW for two years and at no time was it brought to my attention that “good sort” carried connotations of a sexist or any other negative nature. (I’m wracking my brains now to think whose mother I might have inadvertently offended during those years…)
Back here in New Zealand, “good sort” conveys nothing but fond admiration. It is a term used to describe folk who are not only respected for their work, but more importantly, the personable way in which they carry it out. One of our major news networks even has a weekly “Good Sorts” slot in which an outstanding individual is nominated by their community and then honoured on national television for their selfless contribution.
Would some of our Australian cousins be so kind as to add comments and help us get some context to this. I have been unable to access the actual footage of the exchange, so there may well be more to it than first meets the ear. In any case, some clarification around the meaning of “good sort” in Australia would be appreciated so that we can all avoid similar sack-able offenses. (And feel free to comment on any other innocent phrases you think we may be misusing…)
Please help us “Know the Culture” of our nearest and dearest neighbours! 
As you know everything has to be read/interpreted in context
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He was walking alongside her after leaving a judiciary hearing. Having ignored her questions for a while he turned to her and remarked that she was a ‘good sort’. This means that she was somewhat physically appealing. When you take into account the NRL’s history with sexual incidents it’s no surprise that this happened (sacking). Although Manly seem to be saying that his sacking and the incident are unrelated.
For what it’s worth, my pastor is a Kiwi so we’ve developed a knack for interpreting and explaining these things.
I can’t make head or tail of this. I’m Australian born and bred (so is my mum) and we would have used it in exactly the same sense as you Kiwis (a scary thought!). I’m not familiar with the situation though, so maybe there is some context I’m not aware of…
Very odd.
EDIT TO ABOVE COMMENT:
Looks like the ruckas is because the comment was flirtatious or could be taken as such, at least here in Australia- though I’m not sure that was actually on Peters’ mind when he said it (or not his only intent at the time).
I’m not sure I agree with SACKING someone for a bit of light flirting (a reprimand may have been more appropriate). Looks like there’s a bit of club politics involved.
You can see the footage here…http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/manly-stand-down-club-official-peter-peters-over-good-sort-gaffe-to-sky-news-reporter-megan-barnard/story-fn2mcuj6-1226127553816
It doesn’t look like like flirting to me – it’s just a compliment from someones grandpa!
It’s crazy that he is being sacked for that. As far as I know calling someone ‘a good sort’ is a compliment over here in Australia! But from what I’ve heard, it’s more of a backstabbing move by the new CEO, David Perry, and he’s just using this incident as an excuse to get rid of a club champion.
As to ‘sackable offences’ by NZ english, the first one that comes to mind would have to be ‘jandals’. Seriously guys?! We all know they’re called ‘thongs’, and if that’s to hard to say, there’s always ‘flip-flops’.
Thanks for the background context and explanations everyone – much appreciated! Thought there had to be a bit more to the story, but interesting that a phrase can be used so differently by close neighbours.