Basically, some Kainga Ora housing project cash was transferred to transport to pay for a bridge. He signed it off - so far, who cares, right?
But here's the bit people will care about - it's a cycle bridge. A cycle/walking bridge. And the housing money they used to pay for the cycle bridge was meant to pay for stormwater upgrades. You know, pipes. And it took $27 million.
Can you see the problem?
Bishop's done a Tory Whanau. Spent money meant for pipes on nice-to-haves like cycle bridges, and that's the real issue - perception.
Because how can you go out and criticise local councils, Labour and anyone on the left for putting nice-to-haves ahead of 'the basics' when you yourself are guilty of the same crime?
The bridge money was canned because the Government stopped funding for non-car projects. And if you think about it, he's actually done a Winston, too. A pork-barrel, because this is in his own electorate.
This bridge might get him re-elected MP for Hutt South. What an honour.
For any politician to slanderously do a Tory and a Winston, all in one foul political swoop, displays impressive, almost acrobatic, political skill. For that, Bishop ought to be applauded, not admonished.
Ryan Bridge is a New Zealand broadcaster who has worked on many current affairs television and radio shows. He currently hosts Newstalk ZB's Early Edition - where this article was sourced.
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