Jones a voice for regions
marriage of inconvenience, has displayed its first cracks.
Cracks that Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is threatening to bust wide open.
The man who wants to put all of NZ first, not just the well-heeled bits, has his sights set on Air NZ, and those running it. He’s accusing the national carrier of running down services in Blenheim and other regions to run up profits for foreign fat cats and the uncaring corporate class.
For its part Air NZ is reminding the Government that its majority stake in the company doesn’t give it a say on strategy or operations.
Jones, of course, is in the wrong. Just as Air NZ shouldn’t interfere in the politics, neither is a minister allowed to muscle in on their business. Even if he represents a sizeable portion of those with a sizeable portion of the airline’s ownership.
But Jones and ‘wrong’ have their own understanding, a marriage of convenience that allows him a leeway few others can claim, or would ever aspire to.
His comments might inspire a sharp intake of breath by his prime minister - he goes too far in calling for heads to roll - but there will be a corresponding release of tension from those Kiwi quarters forced to cope with the withdrawal of vital services and infrastructure.
It is not relentlessly positive in those smaller places where banks, post offices and schools have closed; where transport options are fewer and those left far between.
Jones is right to highlight that cutbacks in flights and services run counter to regional development - his job - and represent a sorry trend.
He’s right to suggest, albeit forcefully, that Air NZ should consider its role and impact in all of New Zealand, not just the profitable bits. And also the weight of any possible ‘debt’ owed to a nation that bailed the company out of trouble.
He’s right to be a voice and an advocate for a large part of the country that often struggles for traction inside the Beltway.
It’s a disparate voice that we have seen more of with the innovation of MMP, a voice that speaks to a growing sophistication in our politics: the ability to allow dissenting voices from different parties. And still move forward, together.
Jones has again inspired worthy debate, and debate inspires and invigorates a robust democracy. And potentially a good marriage. Even if that causes the occasional blushes for the bride.