Friday, December 06, 2019



Faafoi should be fired

Newshub last night reported that Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi had apparently promised to help out a mate with an immigration issue. While its normal for people to approach MPs for assistance in this area, when you're a Minister, the rules are different: as the Cabinet Manual says, Ministers must "at all times... behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards". And this means avoiding even the perception that family or associates are gaing advantage or special access. From the reports, Faafoi was very aware of this, saying that "If I deal with it directly, I will have a conflict of interest". He also repeatedly says that he "can't put anything in writing" and that "it can't be plastered over FB". Which is basicly an admission of guilt. If Ardern doesn't sack him, then it will be clear that it is not just NZ First Ministers she tolerates corruption from.