Oh Dear

Life Can Be So Unreasonable and Unfair

It is enough to send the average Kiwi into conniptions of confusion.  On the one hand our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern is allegedly celebrated globally.  She is a "rising star" we are told.  She schmoozes with big-wigs on various international trips and her travelling NZ media companions dutifully report back to the rubes left at home that she was "wunnerful".  All gliz, glamour, and glop.  

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, Ardern is gradually coming to be seen by the public as a bit goofy, full of sound and fury, signifying very little.  She held her first press conference for a while and faced lots of "please explain" and "what about . . . " questions.  The international star turned tetchy, according to columnist, Audrey Young. She proved evasive and had the mien of a dissembler--unable to deliver a straight answer when pressed.

In the substance of the press conference, Ardern sounded exasperated at questions about the failure of KiwiBuild to meet its first milestone of 1000 houses by July, and by questions about the capital gains tax report.  Ardern's tetchiness perhaps reflects a raft of challenging issues facing the Government. After a year of settling in, reviewing the past and setting priorities, 2019 will have to be a year of delivery. . . . 

Ardern became impatient when questions turned to the undisputed veto that NZ First will have on any capital gains tax — the Greens have been unequivocal supporters and NZ First longstanding opponents.  Apparently a capital gains tax is just like every other issue the Government debates, and requires the agreement of all three parties.

She also became exasperated when questioned about the failure of KiwiBuild targets — so much so that she could not bring herself to actually say "No" when repeatedly asked if the July target would be met. The Government was still on track to achieve the overall target — building 100,000 over 10 years, she insisted. 

On questions of detail, she deferred to Housing Minister Phil Twyford who will have to suffer the ignominy of getting Cabinet's approval for a fresh and realistic set of targets.  If those targets are not met, Twyford might be facing a reshuffle of his own.  [NZ Herald]

Young went on to summarize the cluster bomb sitting on Ardern's Cabinet table:

Capital gains tax:
Michael Cullen's final report is due to be delivered to the Government this week and promises to be the best weapon National will have at next year's election.

Kiwibuild: The flagship housing policy of 100,000 houses in 10 years is heading for the rocks. A perfect lesson in why political parties should resist over-promising.

Fair Pay Agreements: The Bolger report revisiting national awards has not yet been published but the campaign against it by employers has already begun.

Mental health report: Done and delivered to the Government but the next Budget in May seems a long time to have to wait until this area is properly addressed, having had years of delay under National as well.

Tomorrow's Schools: The Government has yet to respond to the Bali Haque report restructuring school administration.

Social welfare review: Due to be delivered next month, this report on the treatment of beneficiaries including penalties and incentives has the potential to create tension between Labour and New Zealand First.

Prison reforms: The 2018 conference may have had some great ideas from which to construct a reform package to cut the prison population but getting the public onside is the challenge.

Karel Sroubek: National chipped away for months on the decision to grant and rescind citizenship for this convicted offender and they are not going to let up.

But have no fear.  The rising international star parading around on red carpets will have it all sorted by lunchtime.  International stars can do that sort of thing.