June 14, 2022
Dream job comes with pitfalls
Dreams come true, but be careful what you wish for.
That’s the advice from former minister Shane Jones to the Maori MPs elevated in yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle.
The departure of Speaker Trevor Mallard will open that door for his understudy Adrian Rurawhe.
And Kris Faafoi’s retirement means Willie Jackson will assume his broadcasting portfolio.
Mr Jones says it’s a dream job but he needs to remember his role has changed from when he was a broadcaster.
“It’s not his job to justify what for example Television New Zealand may or may not be doing. That’s (chief executive) Simon Power’s job. That’s the board of TVNZ and if they haven’t kicked a goal properly then Willie’s job is either to get rid of the board or to hold them accountable, and I look forward to him doing that,” he says.
Mr Jones says Kiritapu Allen is well qualified to replace Mr Faafoi as Minister of Justice, and Soraya Peke-Mason comes in as a list MP after unsuccessful runs in Ta Tai Hauauru and Rangitikei .