I’m going to be honest, I don’t actually know what words to use to start this programme today.
I don’t know how to explain to you how messed up the Beehive’s priorities are right now.
I’ve just watched, in the last couple of hours, Kris Faafoi deliver one of the most astonishingly tone deaf press conferences in which he wheeled himself out to tell the New Zealand public in no uncertain terms, with his sternest headmaster voice, that he is keeping us safe by banning a cruise ship and its crew from coming into the country.
This is on the very same day that his government announced they’re letting in The Wiggles.
Did no one in the Beehive spot the irony in both of these announcements coming out on the same day?
They’re saying no to a cruise ship, which is sitting just offshore, which is making money for New Zealand travel agents who are desperately short on income and just trying to find creative ways to stay alive.
They’re threatening to put the crew on a plane immediately if the ship doesn’t turn around, but they said yes to the four Wiggles and their 14 groupies.
But the best bit about it is the reasons why the cruise ship crew aren’t allowed in.
Reason number one, they didn’t get their visas in time.
If you’re not a New Zealand citizen or resident and don’t have a visa with a border exemption then you can’t come in the country.
Just a reminder, The Wiggles didn’t have their visas in time, but that didn’t stop Jacinda from saying yes to The Wiggles.
Reason two, heaps of other workers can’t get in, so why should they?
Our borders are closed. There are plenty of companies now who would love to bring in people because there are skill shortages, but our border is closed.
Do we not think that those companies might object to The Wiggles taking the place of key workers who would fill skill shortage?
I tell you what, the contrast here is kind of frightening.
Who needs Kiwi travel businesses to keep making money when you’ve got kids entertainment eh?
