People in high places

New ministers have been slow to stamp their mark on state-owned enterprises and other Crown agencies with appointments to boards. Both the Greens and NZ First now have a presence on the crucial appointments and honours committee and, like Labour, were expected to exert their influence by placing like-minded people on boards. And of course, all three parties might like to get some revenge by removing National appointments. High up on the potential hit list are the Electricity Authority, KiwiRail and Transpower. The wheels may be grinding slowly, but it would be wise to assume that they are still grinding.