Discussion
Lara Greaves points out that after the Nats' failed leadership coup, and the demotion of Chris Penk, Paul Goldsmith now holds 11 Ministerial portfolios;
This is an unprecedented number for a NZ Cabinet minister. As with the Nats' inability to choose a replacement for CLuxon, it points to a serious shortage of talent in their caucus.
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It's worth noting that this firing of ministers, and the resulting concentration of portfolios, is much like what happened to Labour during their last term in government. Starting with Ardern's resignation, and culminating in David Parker's resignation as Minister of Revenue.
This was a government that entered its second term with an unprecedented majority, and was widely expected to stroll to victory in 2023. But was instead humbled by a landslide loss.
Just saying ...
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Lara Greaves also discusses NatACT First's response to TPM's electorate-only campaign;
Claiming that TPM are gaming the system to tip the outcome of the election. Which is pretty fucking rich, given all the antidemocratic voter suppression policies NatACT First have pushed through to keep themselves in government, whether that's what the majority of voters actually want.
Arguably TPM's strategy just levels the playing field a bit.
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But really, this is just TPM officially acknowledging electoral reality. As in 2023, a party vote for TPM is extremely unlikely to give them more MPs. So whether their supporters want NatACT First out of government or not, they'd be wiser to give it to another party they think will help with that.
It's also a middle finger to Labour's self-punching goal of taking all the Māori electorates off TPM. Which can only reduce their chances of winning in 2026. Maybe they don't really want to?
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