Coleman full of praise for Key in farewell speech
Former Cabinet minister Jonathan Coleman has delivered his valedictory speech in Parliament.
An MP for more than 12 years and a minister for nine of them, Coleman revealed the way he was first appointed to the Cabinet by Prime Minister John Key, now Sir John Key.
“He wasn’t about to enter into any debate,” Coleman said.
“He said, ‘You’re doing immigration, broadcasting, associate health and associate tourism. I’m the Minister of Tourism so you’ll be doing all the work. Catch you Monday.’”
Coleman said Key was “a great guy to work for” and “arguably the most talented politician we will see in our lifetimes”.
Coleman, a GP before he entered Parliament, recalled the occasion when Key slipped as he ran up on stage at a Chinese New Year festival in 2009. “Returning to his seat next to me, he said his arm was a bit sore,” Coleman recalled.
I advised [Key] to take a couple of Panadol . . . The next day he rang to inform me his arm was broken in two places. Jonathan Coleman
“I advised him to take a couple of Panadol, forget about it and all would be well.
“The next day he rang to inform me his arm was broken in two places.”
Coleman, who held senior portfolios including defence and health, had some advice for new ministers.
“They can sink or swim, they have to have big-picture priorities to achieve anything.”
Coleman is leaving Parliament to take up the role of chief executive for a private healthcare provider. — NZN