Laura Walters, a political editor, and Marc Daalder, a senior political reporter, join co-editor Tim Murphy and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for a lively discussion. They dive into the coalition's ambitious infrastructure plans and the potential impacts on the economy. The panel critically examines Luxon's casual approach to ministerial misbehaviour, questioning if he's developed a bond with underperforming colleagues. They also ponder Winston Peters’ fixation on historical Māori figures, revealing insights into political narratives and biases in contemporary governance.
The government’s commitment to large-scale development initiatives, such as fast-track legislation, aims to expedite infrastructure projects but raises concerns about sustainability and risks.
Recent controversies regarding ministerial comments on the judiciary highlight challenges in maintaining discipline within the coalition government and adherence to established protocols.
Deep dives
Government's Focus on Large-Scale Development
The government emphasizes large-scale development projects aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing infrastructure needs. With initiatives like the fast track legislation, the administration seeks to expedite major construction and energy projects significantly. This push reflects a departure from previous governmental approaches, where delays and protocols often hampered progress. Critics, however, argue that prioritizing speed over thoroughness might lead to environmental and financial risks that could undermine the intended benefits.
Challenges in Infrastructure Project Implementation
Building infrastructure in New Zealand is fraught with challenges, including regulatory hurdles, supply chain issues, and workforce shortages. The efforts to establish a streamlined process for project approval through the fast track legislation aims to address these obstacles, but questions remain about its effectiveness. Critics caution against centralizing power in a few hands while ignoring the broader systemic challenges that deter investment and progress. The complexities of long-term planning underscore the importance of finding sustainable, rather than merely quick, solutions.
Judiciary Criticism and Political Cohesion
Recent controversies reveal tensions within the government regarding how ministers address the judiciary and the implications of their remarks. Notable incidents involve ministers making controversial comments that undermine judicial integrity, highlighting a lack of adherence to established protocols. Such behavior raises questions about the leadership's ability to maintain discipline and coherence among coalition partners. As these dynamics unfold, the government faces the challenge of reinforcing boundaries while navigating coalition politics.
Winston Peters' References to Historical Figures
Winston Peters frequently invokes Sir Apirana Ngata in discussions surrounding sovereignty and Treaty principles, reflecting his perspective on historical interpretations. He portrays Ngata as an authoritative figure, emphasizing views that align with his beliefs despite contemporary scholarship suggesting otherwise. This tactic resonates within the political sphere as a populist approach, linking current positions on Maori issues to revered historical figures. However, it also underscores the tension between traditional narratives and evolving understandings of New Zealand's history.
This week, Raw Politics looks at the coalition's all-consuming commitment to development, from the fast-track to energy to infrastructure.
Newsroom political editor Laura Walters, senior political reporter Marc Daalder and co-editor Tim Murphy examine the breadth and pace of the blizzard of development initiatives that could change what and how the country builds in the short and long term.
Then, the panel tries to understand the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's light heart and light hand when it comes to his ministers breaching the norms of ministerial behaviour and speech. As opposed to his "this is how I roll" dismissal of colleagues for average performance in portfolios. Has he got a form of Stockholm syndrome and now identifies with his partner party captors?
Our reader question asks why NZ First leader Winston Peters is so obsessed lately with the 20th Century Māori politician Sir Āpirana Ngata. Turns out he is citing Ngata incessantly, alongside other Māori leaders from back in the days just before Winston was born.
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This week's recommendations:
Laura: Labour Party police spokesperson Ginny Andersen ends up red-faced in this Benedict Collins 1 News report on her refusal to back down from her cherry-picked data on police foot patrols