This Government is a disgrace. Last night I heard two things on NZR which made my eyes pop out of my head.
Firstly, someone interviewing who I believe was Coleman (turned on mid-interview), on him apparently "knowing" all about the Middlemore and other hospitals problems (and apparently ignoring them), which he categorically denied. His account and explanation on why he didn't know was very believeable (not because I particularly want to believe him but because he explained the process). DHB heads had his mobile number and were told to contact him if they came across urgent or out of band issues. They had a specific budget for fixing urgent or unexpected issues that easily would have covered this cost. This was never raised with him. Secondly he points out that the select committee that this would have been raised on, occurred the day before this coalition was formed and the current minister knew nothing about it, till the press broke it *5* months later!
During question time, Bridges pointed out to Ardern that they had the money to fix it, why did they keep going on about the fact they didn't know, and just get on with it. Ardern replies, we knew exactly what we were getting and it's why we allocated so much extra money (She mentioned specific extra sums above what National had spent).
If she knew, and they allocated the numbers, why every 5 minutes do we hear that Arden has inherited such a mess and why they will have a grim budget? Either they knew and planned for it, or they didn't and didn't? Labour has contradicted itself over and over re this issue.
Seems like the truth is, they have spent so much money already, that not only do they not have the money they should have, but they are now in the process of panic taxing to generate money for the shortfall.
Labour doesn't seem to understand how to run a country. They don't seem to understand that stuff happens, and instead of whining about how it's the other guys fault, you accept you are in charge and get on with it. They seem more worried about scoring political points than doing their actual jobs.