Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 24/11/23

Hurrah – we have a new government (National, ACT and New Zealand First commit “to deliver for all New Zealanders”)

Sorry, there has been no fresh news on the government’s official website since the caretaker trade minister’s press statement about the European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement.

But the capital is abuzz with news – and media comment is quickly flowing – after the outcome of the coalition negotiations was announced. In a nutshell: we have a new government.

Kate Hawkesby: Seymour for Deputy PM?

I don’t begrudge David Seymour tipping his hat into the ring for Deputy PM.  

Many would argue it’s a relatively inconsequential role - it doesn’t mean much. I mean most of last term we couldn’t remember who was deputy leader or deputy PM: Kelvin Davis or Carmel Sepuloni. It didn’t really matter, no one really cared.  

But it does carry gravitas. There is something about the title which carries weight – and of course the obvious additional bonus of stepping into the PM’s shoes when they're out of the country. So you can’t argue it doesn’t carry some responsibility too. And Seymour’s argument is fair I reckon. Proportionality. He’s arguing that the role makes sense for him given they’ve got the second-largest government party, so he says, the second-biggest role makes sense. He thinks that’s the clear case for him to be Deputy PM. 

John MacDonald: Willis, Seymour or Peters? Who I think should be Deputy PM

It appears Christopher Luxon’s tight lid on things could be about to blow, with all this talk about who is and who isn’t going to be Deputy Prime Minister in the new government.

If I was National’s deputy leader Nicola Willis, I’d be finding it hard to keep the smile on the dial. But she’s managing it so far, from what I’ve seen of her on TV outside the hotel in Auckland.

Point of Order: Co-Deputy Leaders?

Luxon could suggest we have co-deputy prime ministers, if that’s an issue for ACT and NZ First – but tossing a coin is another idea

While Point of Order waits for a new bunch of ministers to be appointed and start posting their announcements, proclamations and speeches on the government’s official website, we are keeping an eye on media reports on coalition negotiations.