John Porter: Where Do Stuart Nash’s Loyalties Lie?

Post cyclone Gabrielle Hawkes Bay is facing a massive and unprecedented clean-up mission.

A crucial component of this clean-up mission is the role government ministers and local MPs are required to play to ensure the region’s immediate and long-term needs are met.

That and recent events lead me to question if Napier is being adequately represented in parliament by its MP Stuart Nash? Where do his true loyalties actually lie?

Clive Bibby: A Clayton’s enquiry - that’s not what we asked for

Readers will forgive me if I use this opportunity to express my concerns about the Government’s response to our particular problems here in Tairawhiti (East Coast) following Cyclone Gabrielle but I do so knowing that other regions like our neighbours in Hawkes Bay will have experienced similar unwarranted brush offs.

In my entire adult life, I have yet to see a cabinet minister stand in front of the citizens of New Zealand trying to defend the indefensible which such feigned indignation. 

Such was the performance of Stuart Nash, Minister for Forestry in PM Chris Hipkins’ Labour Government as the opening item on Thursdays’ TV One Network News. 

Clive Bibby: The Forestry Industry - Saviour or Scourge

I have never claimed to be an authority on anything much but, just like a number of this column's readers, l have endured many experiences over a varied career that have helped to fashion some of the more informed opinions l now hold.

It is also true that my most strongly held convictions are based having had the opportunity to witness all sides of an issue, argument, event - call it what you will.

That is as it should be.