David Farrar: An unusual crown observer appointment

Shane Reti announced:

health Minister Dr Shane Reti is appointing a Crown observer to Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, citing significant ongoing challenges around the 2022 health reforms.

“I have carefully considered the hard work which has gone on around Health NZ since its establishment,” Dr Reti said.

Kerre Woodham: A breath of fresh air for our health system

As Mike Hosking and I exchanged morning pleasantries today, I said to him “Wasn't Dr Shane Reti a breath of fresh air?”

“Breath of fresh air?” said Mike, “He was a howling Nor Westerly of fresh air!”

Point of Order: Besides tackling the cost-of-living crisis, the Luxon team can make quick gains in health and education

Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has left no doubt one of his top priorities is to fix the cost of living crisis. At the same time his government can restore public confidence in the effectiveness of central government (undermined by the erratic performance of recent ministers) in the health and education sectors.

Luxon has the person for the role of Health Minister in Dr Shane Reti and even vocal critics accept that Reti understands what is needed in the health sector. There is little point in turning back what Labour started in restructuring the health system.