While sympathetic journalists weep over Kiri Allan’s mental health woes and her manifold romantic troubles, everyone overlooks the real problem she shares with many other ministers in Chris Hipkins’ lack-lustre government – insufficient experience of real life. Getting to know how Parliament operates, spending time in opposition, and watching what is expected of a minister, are vital before becoming one. Three of Chris Hipkins’ accident-prone ministers this year – Michael Wood, Jan Tinetti and Kiri Allan – were all promoted far too early in their political careers. One previous term in the House isn’t enough.
