Greens co-leader trims chocolate post to keep Cabinet Office sweet
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is not the only minister who has arguably promoted products on social media — with Stuart Nash appearing to promote a lemon juice company and Craggy Range wines, and Megan Woods singing the praises of a local cafe and a shoe repair shop.
The Prime Minister’s programme of visits is also a minefield of potential promotional activities with the cameras on her — from a recent visit to RJ’s confectionery where she admitted to liking the raspberry chocolate twists, to Pic’s Peanut Butter factory during the 2020 campaign.
Davidson on Tuesday night edited a social media post featuring te reo Ma¯ori branded Whittaker’s chocolate after the PM said it appeared to breach a rule that ministers should not promote products or services on any form of media.
Davidson has said the post was aimed at welcoming companies that embraced te reo Ma¯ori and responding to a backlash against Whittaker’s over the issue.
A Green Party spokesman said the edits followed a conversation with the Cabinet Office about the rules.
Ardern has also said she would remind all ministers about the rule. Although the Cabinet Office advise on the application of the rules in the Cabinet Manual, it is ultimately for Ardern to decide whether to act on any breach.
The Cabinet Manual stipulates ministers should not endorse products or services but could appear in advertisements or announcements which were “in the public interest” and for which no payment was received.
Nash's instagram includes a post from February on his habit of starting his day with a warm lemon juice: “For good health I always start the day with a glass of warm lemon juice from the Limery. An awesome Wairoa company doing awesome things with limes and lemons.”
Nash's instagram also includes a post in June with a photo of Craggy Range wine, in which he talks about a bet with a friend on the rugby in which the wine is the stake.
Megan Woods has posted her appreciation and photos of a cafe in her electorate and a shoe repair shop – as well as a photo of Red Zone honey from the markets.