the idea that Ardern should get John Key in to run the economy post-COVID is insulting to her own leadership and competence, but also an ignorant reading of Key’s economic legacy, especially post-disaster

National’s decisions in Christchurch are still being carried out, and I am very worried about the long-term implications for the city, which could be far worse off than any other NZ city as a result

Key, who was Minister of Tourism, doubled down on that sector of the economy, and the biggest projects for Christchurch were and are a reflection of that. At least $500m each on the convention centre and the stadium, both of which are entirely dependent on tourism to survive

the convention centre fetish also extended to the deal with Sky City to extend the casino in exchange for a convention centre, and … well, that isn’t going great either

the Chch convention centre is almost ready. What do we do with it? It will be years until international travel fully resumes, but there are massive questions about to what extent. Will people want to spend big $ to fly to the ass end of the world when they can just do it on zoom?

and the stadium … well, the numbers always seemed dodgy. Now they are utterly cooked. Any sane leader would pull the plug on this thing, lest it be known as their devastating legacy that bankrupt a city

the cost is at least $500m - probably closer to $700m all up - that could be spent on infrastructure projects that benefit all people and make a better city. Central city housing. Light rail. Stop the madness and stop it now