Wendy Geus: Government gifted Covid Inquiry - Hipkins signs his political death warrant

Ardern, silent as to her attendance

So it's Brooke to the rescue once again.

Firstly, recently, Brooke van Velden pulled her pay parity bill out of her hat saving Nicola's budget. Phew!

And now, miraculously, she gives us a Covid Royal Commission of Inquiry, a gift to the Coalition, with findings to be released 2026, just before the election.

And just to put the icing on the government's cake, right on cue Hipkins comes out on Kerre's show opining:

“The Covid enquiry is deliberately constructed as a platform for conspiracy theorists.”

Could this be his ‘Deplorables’ moment, given many of the submitters to the Inquiry who have suffered in a myriad of ways may also have voted Labour. (see link)

Hipkins is preparing a written submission for the inquiry but is schtum as to whether he would appear in person. Just what people who suffered under his incompetent leadership need to hear. Lack of accountability.

How tone deaf can he be? This from a man in the eye of the covid storm, leading key agencies making one bad decision after another affecting the health, finances, relationships and freedoms of New Zealanders.

Do I hear you say, ‘that's a mercenary way to look at it, Wendy.’ May be, but rightfully so. Labour escaped with their own ‘once over lightly’ inquiry before leaving office with few questions from the media. Held captive by her $55 million Public Journalism Fund they would lie for her, lay down their lives for her. (And probably still would, judging by their unwanted coverage of her book on line)

To prove my point, TVNZ currently under fire, and investigation, for lack of balance have begun their bulletin with not a mention of Hipkin's faux pas, political story of the day. (Headlining in the Herald, as I write, covered by Gower, Bridges, HDPA, NewstalkZB talk back afternoons, et al)

That is what the public has been enduring the past seven years.

Activist identifying as broadcast journalist - Mikey Sherman, proved my point on Q & A interviewing Paul Goldsmith. This is an English language channel and a lengthy Maori introduction is not required. There is a tax paid funded Maori channel for that.

To his credit Goldsmith simply replied 'Good morning'.

Constantly pushing the line 'Maori didn't cede sovereignty' (when the Treaty signing and our current democratic system is based around that premise) is activism, not journalism, Mikey.

We, the people, need our voices heard over covid decisions which negatively affected lives in multiple ways. (Not necessarily mine, I got off quite lightly compared to many. I got the three jabs and never got covid.)

Judging from all the heart breaking stories, an in depth look at this event which caused grief, unneeded health issues, suicides, businesses to close, relationships to end and an economy still in dire straits, is definitely warranted.

And importantly, findings can help with planning for future pandemics.

There is nothing good that will come out of this for Labour (or the Green party). Only bad memories flooding back for hundred of thousands of kiwis forced to live under Ardern's tyrannical regime.

Right at the time the public are deciding who to vote for in 2026 the findings will come out. How very convenient for a government wanting a second term. How very grim for Labour and its mates looking to crawl back in.

Hipkins has already made excuses on behalf of Ardern that it would be unsafe for her to attend. What's wrong with Zoom? That would be safe and acceptable. With possibly, the benefit of distance and observing our current economic and social mess, media commentators seem to have gained some perspective and almost all are calling for Ardern to front.

Boris Johnson fronted their inquiry in Britain and on the other side of the political spectrum, Nicola Sturgeon fronted the Scottish inquiry. Both had brutal experiences.

But wait there's more:

On cue, just in case you had forgotten, Christchurch broadcaster, Chris Lynch has released a compilation of Ardern's pulpit of truth performances as she warmed to her role as covid tyrant, which has had over 200,000 views on X. (See link)

Worth a look, if want to relive the trauma.

This may have to suffice as despite being invited to front the Inquiry, hell will likely freeze over before she accepts. Like all bullies she is not good at facing her victims.

Of course, her Oxford lectures on 'Tyranny done kindly' will likely take precedence over accountability to those whose lives she ruined.

Wendy Geus is a former speechwriter and generalist communications advisor in local government. She now writes for the pure love of it. This article was originally published by ThePlatform.kiwi and is published here with kind permission.

References:

Labour’s Chris Hipkins says Covid inquiry terms create platform for conspiracy theorists - NZ Herald: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/labours-chris-hipkins-says-covid-inquiry-terms-platform-conspiracy-theorists/7V234KETJZEEVGOYJMBB7UZBKI/

Ardern's pulpit of truth performances – a compilation by Chris Lynch Media: https://x.com/chrislynchmedia/status/1937658659129163813