As January's sunshine gives way to February showers, most people shrug it off as just the vagaries of the weather. However, Bill English, speaking at a stormy outdoor event, pointed out, "While I was acting PM the country had five weeks of perfect weather. Now the other guy's back ..." Just a joke, but some farmers might think English has lost touch with his rural roots -- five weeks without rain is anything but perfect for a Southland farmer.
Right choice for the left
Political veterans Kiri Hannifin and Jo de Joux have formed a partnership with Crosby Textor Group to provide political, corporate and public sector campaign management. Crosby Textor are famed, feared and hated -- mostly by those on the Left -- as political consultants who shamelessly use market research tools and various dark arts to win at almost any cost. Hannifin and de Joux have extensive knowledge of politics -- de Joux managed four consecutive National Party election campaigns. Perhaps Labour should hire them quickly.
Taking the easy way out
One of the political year's opening events is the Government caucus meeting at Premier House. After some negative publicity, Labour and National have tried to reduce the use of chauffeured limousines for the short trip between Parliament and the PM's residence. From Helen Clark to John Key, ministers were urged to carpool or even take the plunge and walk among the people. It seems new minister Maggie Barry didn't get the memo and not only got her driver to take her to the door, but had him open the car door too.
Stormy times at the ports
Annabel Young's appointment as executive director of the Shipping Federation shows the sector wants to avoid getting lost in the noise over transport policy. Young, who has a true blue National pedigree, was picked by many to go far in politics, but was swamped by the 2002 election tsunami. After time as chief executive at Federated Farmers and the Pharmacy Guild, she worked in Judith Collins' office before last year's election. Young's new appointment comes as the battle over which ports survive and which fade away hits a crucial point.
The ports sector is being hit from all sides, with new demands to meet the needs of bigger ships, some people wanting to close Auckland's port altogether, and industrial relations issues. Lyttelton Port is facing strikes by what can only be described as a confused union. The Rail and Maritime Transport Union initially put out a release saying "Lyttelton Port workers vote to end industrial action and accept pay offer". Minutes later, this was replaced by a release saying "Lyttelton Port workers vote to escalate dispute and fully withdraw labour". The workers may have justified gripes with the management, but with international shipping companies looking to visit fewer ports, those who work and manage them should take care. The deal between the ports of Tauranga and Timaru could make Lyttelton irrelevant.
