What in the world would prompt another press statement from our rejected government? No, it was not the catastrophe in Gaza
It must be a measure of something – but what, exactly? – that only four media statements have emerged from the Beehive since Election Day.
The four statements have addressed just two issues, neither of which is susceptible to the influence either of the just-defeated Labour government or the soon-to-be-installed National-led coalition.
One of those issues is the war in Gaza, the other a battle stoically fought by the All Blacks on a rugby field at the end of their Rugby World Cup campaign.
Latest from the Beehive
29 OCTOBER 2023
The Government has congratulated the All Blacks on their effort in finishing runners up in the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Paris.
25 OCTOBER 2023
The Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson will represent the Government at the Rugby World Cup final in Paris this weekend.
25 OCTOBER 2023
In a statement to the United Nations Security Council this morning, New Zealand has joined others in the international community calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors and safe areas to protect innocent civilians living in the Gaza strip.
17 OCTOBER 2023
The New Zealand Government is providing $5 million in funding following appeals to address urgent humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
The United Nations says Israel’s siege and destruction of Gaza is a “humanitarian catastrophe” for the enclave’s 2.3 million people.
It has warned that cutting off water, food, fuel and electricity is a war crime.
Among the latest developments:
- Israel has stepped up strikes close to al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City after ordering its “immediate” evacuation; the World Health Organization says it is “deeply concerned”.
- The United Nations chief has repeated call for a ceasefire to end “this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel”.
- Telecommunications gradually are being restored to the Gaza Strip after a communications blackout cut the enclave off from the rest of the world.
- PM Netanyahu says the war in Gaza will be “long and difficult”, with Israel intensifying its aerial raids and progressing to the “next phase” of operations.
- Hamas’s leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, says the group is ready for an “immediate” prisoner swap with Israel.
- At least 8,005 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks since October 7. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel.
No, the latest statement brings us the vital news that the All Blacks finished runners up at Rugby World Cup 2023.
It is fitting that a just-defeated government should congratulate the All Blacks for finishing up in second place.
“On behalf of New Zealand, I’d like to congratulate coach Ian Foster, captain Sam Cane and the rest of the team for their achievements. It’s been an incredible seven weeks of rugby and the team has done New Zealand proud,” Grant Robertson said.
The people who drafted and posted this press statement must have supposed nobody had watched the match or listened to radio commentaries, because they want us to know:
The final saw the All Blacks play South Africa in a rematch of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, with the All Blacks falling short by just one point. An outstanding and courageous performance by the team despite playing with 14 men for almost the entire game.
“The All Blacks ethos is all about the team and this was truly a full-team effort throughout the tournament with tries scored by 21 different players across the seven games
“Special mention has to go to Sam Whitelock who became the most capped All Black against Italy and, fittingly, came up with the crucial turnover during the tense final moments of the quarterfinal win over Ireland.
“I would also like to thank head coach Ian Foster as he steps down from his role. He has had a challenging time as head coach, but he has come through with a significant achievement at this World Cup. Ian has had a long career with the All Blacks – twelve years – winning a World Cup as an Assistant Coach in 2015 and his significant contribution has to be acknowledged,” Grant Robertson said.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins paid tribute to all the fans cheering the team on.
“Whether New Zealanders have shown their support in France or from back home, I know it has given the All Blacks the extra advantage that helped them come this far,” Chris Hipkins said.
“Well done again to all those who made these efforts possible, from the players and coaching staff to their friends and whānau who have supported them all the way. It’s been incredible to see the team bounce back from that tough opening game against France and set the tournament alight.
“New Zealand looks forward to welcoming the team home and celebrating their achievements,” Chris Hipkins said.
One special achievement worthy of celebration is that All Blacks star Ardie Savea was named World Rugby men’s player of the year.
All Blacks forward Ardie Savea has been crowned the planet’s best rugby player at World Rugby’s annual awards on Monday (NZ time).
The No. 8 took home the top individual men’s prize at the ceremony in Paris, beating out fellow nominees Bundee Aki (Ireland), Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), and Antoine Dupont (France).
Point of Order now awaits news that a member of the runner-up Labour team has been crowned the planet’s best politician.
Point of Order is a blog focused on politics and the economy run by veteran newspaper reporters Bob Edlin and Ian Templeton
1 comment:
Minister of Sport rushes off for one last hurrah to RWC final, we lose, quite predictable really!!
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