Rotorua Daily Post election panel. Brett Wilson, Heather Keefe, Russell Hallam, Theresa McLean, and Fraser Newman.
Rotorua Daily Post election panel. Brett Wilson, Heather Keefe, Russell Hallam, Theresa McLean, and Fraser Newman.
We go back to our 2017 election panel of Rotorua people to get their views on how they think the Government has done in its first 100 days.
Fraser Newman
You can't expect much to happen in 100 days. It's very much wait and see. I'm glad they've backtracked on campaign promises; including now supporting the CPTPP after a spit polish and name change, and changed their anti-immigration rhetoric. Those were deal breakers before the election. Disappointed we haven't seen a commitment to lifting the urban/rural boundary as part of housing policy, but I understand Labour had to compromise in coalition talks. A few ministers seem completely out of their depth, including the Minister of Finance, but hopefully for the good of the country they'll find their feet.
I think the coalition Government has performed well in the first 100 days, as they have addressed the promises they made pre-election for this period. A number of these have been included in legislation before the House and in the select committee stages. Our new Prime Minister has emerged as fresh, popular and competent in leading the tri-party administration. I still have concerns around the wellbeing of many of our older persons, and look forward to actions that will address the affordability of housing and accommodation, along with health needs and other living costs.
RUSSELL HALLAM
Retired school principal
THERESA MCLEAN
On a personal level I'm stoked Labour has organised free uni for me this year! I'm impressed with how fast Labour has moved in the past 100 days. I really believe that a cross-party approach is important to tackling issues like poverty and climate change. I'm unsure why Labour abolished National's Better Public Service Targets, and I really hope Labour begins to acknowledge that social dysfunction is intertwined with poverty, and needs to be addressed too. I hope we don't lose sight of some of the gains we have already made in an effort to "rebrand". I think the way young people have been engaging with politics is great and hopefully it continues.
The Government has indicated significant backwards steps in employment legislation including removing the 90-day trial and more unionisation, both bad for business. Apart from that we have had a whole lot of rhetoric and virtue signalling but very little action. Despite the sickeningly fawning media we have a PM who seems out of her depth. Three months before the election she stated being deputy leader of the opposition was very stressful. Now she has the big job and a pending baby, I suspect her ambition is writing cheques that her ability can't cash and I doubt she will last.
BRETT WILSON
Watchdog Security chief executive
Heather Keefe
The results have been a mixed bag. The hype created pre-election certainly gave traction. The next three years are critical. Policies leading to overspend is a real risk. The self-imposed timeframe presented dangers in itself. No legislative changes should be rushed without first being given due consideration. Paying for student fees would have been more appropriate if applied in their final year. Strategies to retain students following qualification is a must. Increased allowances are fine. There must be benefit back to the taxpayer. Pike River resolution is a plus as is the housing and Kiwi build programme, which are still in their infancy. Disappointed Labour/NZ First could not agree on a water tax, not for farmers but our exported water. A 50/50 rating.
HEATHER KEEFE
Accountant
* Ngaa Ruuira Puumanawawhiti did not respond to requests to participate.
