Smokefree Fallout and a High Profile Resignation.

Two days in, and the coalition need to raise their game.

The day after being sworn in the new cabinet met yesterday, to enjoy their honeymoon phase. You remember, that period after a new government takes power where the country, and the media, are optimistic about them, because they haven’t had a chance to stuff anything up yet.

Sadly the nuptials complete the new lot seemed a bit shell shocked to find that their golden time is over all ready. It was the micro-ist of micro honeymoons, and they have no one but themselves to blame.

In just two days the new government has managed to go to war with the media, and turn New Zealand into an international laughing stock for stubbing out the last government’s Smokefree initiatives.

Far from the Strong and Stable that was advertised, what we seem to have are possums in the headlights. A leader who has only ever known opposition having to finally show some leadership, and being found wanting. Grinning ineptly as Winston undermines his authority repeatedly.

Then there is a Finance Minister whose previous, diabolically bad, plans got a free ride from local media. Good luck with that in the future by the way, after Winston’s efforts to smear them with false allegations. A Finance Minister who is now finding that foreign media have rather more teeth than the domestic ones.

For example Time magazine said “The generation ban was lauded as a global first during its announcement, and provided a blueprint for the U.K. government’s own efforts to phase out smoking by 2024. In October, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced legislation that would criminalize the sale of tobacco products to people born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister confirmed that Sunak’s position on the ban remains unchanged by New Zealand’s U-turn.”

Yep, that’s right folks, our government now looks bad internationally compared to the UK government of Rishi Sunak!

The Government's plan to repeal the country's tougher smokefree laws has made headlines around the world. (Source: 1News)

Over the last day I’ve received numerous messages from people about the way the Smokefree cancellations have been reported around the world. Suffice to say the reputation of our new government is off to a very poor start, and the really strange part is that they didn’t seem to anticipate that this would be a big deal.

That doesn’t seem to have even occurred, with them making no effort to explain or justify the changes. There also continues to be fallout domestically, as covered in this article:

“Health experts are lining up to slam the Coalition's plan to scrap measures to cut the number of smokers, saying it will mean thousands more will die which will end up costing more.”   

“I'm incredibly shocked and embarrassed for New Zealand,” said Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ chief executive Letitia Harding.  

“As respiratory clinicians across New Zealand... we were appalled,” said Dr Paul Dawkins.  

“Absolutely jaw dropping honestly. I was horrified. I don't think we saw this coming,” said Dr James Fingleton. 

I was amused to find that phrases which have been used by lefties on Social Media, to mock the new government’s decision, are now being referred to by Newshub. Health Minister “Shane Cigaretti” and Finance Minister “Nicotine Willis”. I suspect those names might stick!

Shane Reti and Nicola Willis. Photo: Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images.

So now we’re not only going to be known internationally as the country that treated Jacinda Ardern so badly, but also as the one that took a great leap backwards on public health initiatives to reduce smoking. What a great way for the new coalition to put us on the map.

Don’t worry though team, I’m sure Mike Hosking will still give you a 10/10 when he marks the week. He’ll probably be boasting that Kate was able to resign, her work complete, a new government in place. There was no need for her to hang around purring over how wonderful Luxon is, Heather and Kerre have got that covered.

To be honest I’m surprised that these medical experts have the temerity to speak out. I assume they receive money from the government, shouldn’t they be expected to just shut up like others in the public sector?