It was a precipitate and unwarranted reaction to something that would have happened to whoever was in charge at the time - dare I suggest, even Luxon himself.
Kiwis of all political persuasions are known for their compassion and expectation above all else, that everybody be given the opportunity to defend themselves against accusations of poor performance - no matter how justified the criticism.
I have never met the current CEO and am in no position to judge whether he was negligent in areas of management that might have made a difference to the overall financial result but l do know that published figures from competitive airlines operating on the same routes show Air New Zealand's result was not all that different to those facing the same headwinds.
And so, in that context, surely Luxon had nothing to gain by adding his name to those who were out to gain a commercial scalp.
In fact, Kiwis would have thought more of him had he gone out of his way to defend the Airline and its CEO's reputation in the marketplace - after all, Luxon is the most senior government guardian of the taxpayers’ 51% stake in the company.
Consequently, in the circumstances, his reaction to the financial result was neither helpful or necessary and as such, said more about the PM's ability to lead than the CEO's performance in difficult economic times.
Luxon needs to learn that the public react very favourably in support of incidents where innocents are being held to account for management issues beyond their control – for example their reaction to former PM Jacinda Ardern's empathetic response to the Christchurch massacre - but show no mercy for politicians who use opportunities to put the boot in to other seemingly more vulnerable individuals in an attempt to shield themselves from blame.
It all seems rather cowardly to me.
You be the judge.
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
4 comments:
Having listened to the Ryan Bridge interview with Rob Fyfe that touches on this issue, what a contrast between the two former Air NZ CEO's. Fyfe exudes capability, quiet confidence and, importantly, humility. Our PM exudes corporate bluff, bluster, and above all arrogance. He knows what's 'right' and we should damned-well fall in to line with his views. While NZ desperately needed a new 'leader' and direction at the last election, what's been delivered hasn't met the then majority's performance expectations by a long shot.
The voting in Botany will be very interesting this election. Bets, anyone?
When you think of the failures Luxon has presided over in the last three years, what would the AirNZ lose be if he was still in charge. Well above what it is for sure.
Thanks Clive. Agree entirely. And Peter's comment suggests we will have a PM poll to follow a failed caucus one.
My bet is that NZ have no issues with a new Minister of Finance if Craig Stobo is chosen for Parliament and the current Finance Minister Nicola Willis misses the Party Vote cut .
The CV and international financial and business experience of NZF candidate for Botany ., Craig Stobo would be without peer in NZ for decades if not ever .
It actually might reinforce the need for NZ voters to ensure a National electorate Vote and Party Vote ACT or NZF
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