Cabinet reshuffle – Haere ra McCully?

Written By: - Date published: 9:46 pm, December 10th, 2016 - 31 comments
Categories: uncategorized - Tags:

Bill English finally gets to name his own cabinet on Monday. It will be interesting to see what happens to Murray McCully. In February McCully announced his intention to stand down in East Coast Bays and that he would seek a list place, but only if he remained as Minister of Foreign Affairs after the next election. It’s an ultimatum he may have cause to regret.

John Key was Prime Minister when he made it, and he would have been on the National Party Board that selects their top list MPs. McCully may have been confident of his support. Now Bill English is on the board and will have a big say.

It’s the same Bill English who we know – (thanks to Nicky Hager in The Hollow Men) – advised 2005 Leader Don Brash in  that “You need to know now that  the experienced people you have will NOT work in a government run by McCully. I and others will not tolerate him exercising the same influence he does now.”

There’s no particular reason to keep McCully as Foreign Minister. The TPP is no more, the Saudi payoff was an embarrassment if not worse, and the MFAT reorganisation a classic example of McCully blaming the staff for his own mistakes.

What English does will tell us if he walks his own talk.

 

 

31 comments on “Cabinet reshuffle – Haere ra McCully? ”

  1. He should go anyway. He’s done nothing to advance the foreign affairs of this country in his tenure.

    • Wayne 1.1

      Improving the relationship with the US is a significant gain, although I appreciate for Standardnistas it is a negative.

      • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1

        Improving relationships with a rogue nation generally isn’t an ethical action.

      • It’s not so much whether the US likes us as how we achieve that. If they like us for democracy, and independence, and all of our own values, great. If they like us because we roll over for them on international treaties… yuck.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.3

        Oh do fuck off. Plenty of individuals here cite Chomsky, or Snowden, or Obama, or Dylan, or Warren, or Buffett, or Mann, Schmidt, Hansen and in some cases even Gore 😉

        There are aspect of US culture we can admire, and then there’s the killing they get up to. Appease Trump as much as you like, Neville Mapp. Plenty of US citizens will not, so the NZ Left are in better company than you are.

        • That too. There is much to be treasured and emulated in US history, from their roots as the birthplace of modern secularist thought, to modern intellectual heroes like Chomsky and Snowden.

          The US and NZ should be allies. But we should be allies because we share so many values, and a language, and the similarities in culture between Hawai’i and New Zealand, and the similarity in the history of other indigenous peoples in the USA and Māori, and a colonial heritage that allows ethnic Europeans in each country to understand each other. We shouldn’t simply be cogs in a giant global military-corporate machine together.

        • wellfedweta 1.1.3.2

          I wouldn’t say the US left is ‘better company’ based on the utterly irrational responses to Trumps election. I realise it was uncomfortable, but people like Michael Moore are just making fools of themselves.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.3.2.1

            Does anyone care what this idiot “wouldn’t say”?

            • wellfedweta 1.1.3.2.1.1

              So are you proud of the behaviour of the loonies in the US? Are you proud of Michael Moore calling for disruption at the inauguration of the democratically elected leader of the nation? Denounce this, One AB, or own the totalitarian dogma you espouse.

              • One Anonymous Bloke

                Yawn. Your false frame is boring and says a lot about you.

                In democracies, shithead, people can make their own decisions whether to protest or not. Your shithead lip-service to freedom is showing. Plus, Maninthemiddle, I didn’t mention Michael Moore, you did, and I’m free to ignore your drivel and rank shithead hypocrisy any time I choose.

                • wellfedweta

                  So you ARE happy for people to disrupt the democratic process in the name of ‘protest’. Fine. At least we know where you stand now.

                  • One Anonymous Bloke

                    No, shithead, I have commented on your false frame, and I have demonstrated nothing but contempt for your pissy little challenge, and your empty dishonest values.

                    • wellfedweta

                      And in doing so, you have refused to condemn these protests. Remember, it was YOU who introduced the ‘better company’ meme.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      1. I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about. I don’t follow Michael Moore.
                      2. I expect you are lying about what he said.
                      3. That being so, I have neither inclination nor duty to care less about it, let alone comment.

  2. Keith 2

    Was it not rumoured that the reason Key didn’t dispose of McCully after the sordid Saudi sheep bribe deal was uncovered was because of Keys role in that disgrace?

    I would imagine English is not similarly compromised!

  3. Coolas 3

    McCully has been FM for far too long. 8 years? He runs it like his personal fiefdom. And with his history of collusion and deception there’s a whole lot of stuff he’s suppressed. Think privatising Aid projects and who got the contracts.

    Associate Minister is Todd McClay. Hope English chooses him for maximum entertainment. He’s as devious as McCully but not nearly as clever.

  4. Infused 4

    I think with Bill in charge, you are going to see a few of these guys go.

  5. Incognito 5

    Too many changes all at once will be too disruptive IMO. There is much political turmoil in the world and with an election year coming up I think National will stick with stability and the devil they know AKA Murray McCully.

    • It’s kinda a win/win situation from a left-wing perspective. If they fire McCully, good, we’ve gotten rid of one of the more corrupt ministers. If they don’t, good luck selling anything approaching a reasonable foreign policy to the electorate with him in charge.

  6. red-blooded 6

    I think McCully’s probably gone. More interesting, IMO, is how English sees Judith Collins. Plus, Hekia’s already said she’s not sticking around in Education – who’s he going to shove into that space and what (if any) changes will they make to their aggressive “schools aren’t “COOL”” policy platform?

  7. mosa 7

    I would expect that Mr Joyce will have plenty too say about who is in and who is out.

    • tc 7.1

      Agreed, bill does as told by the power brokers and is their safe pair of hands.

      He’s in a list position to eject from, has many years of parliamentary service benefits accrued and will be offered sinecures aplenty once outside politics. A boat he’ll not rock.

      His experience in fronting a lost cause, as in 2002, is required.

      • Chris 7.1.1

        And the earlier the election the less chance of people being reminded of how inspiring English is as a leader. Parties on the left, and Labour as well, should be hoping for an election as far away as possible.

      • If they don’t put English in list position #1 for the election that’s basically already a statement from the National Party establishment that they think he’ll lose and they’re positioning him to be ineligible to continue as leader by forcing him out of Parliament, and I don’t think they’ll want to concede that unless their internals are showing that English has the party in a polling freefall.

        Even if he upsets the party elites, they’ll still put him in position #1 until they can orchestrate a coup. (He’s not the type to do that easily anyway, I agree. That said, he will have some leeway to cut out some deadwood even if they’re popular with the elites, so long as it’s a “jobs for the boys” sort of exit)

        If McCully is on his way out, I would actually expect to see him re-appointed for a month or two and then “suddenly” get a lucrative job offer.

  8. swordfish 8

    Oh dear. And to think Muzza was once considered innocent and idealistic enough to coax the hippy generation into the Young Nationals

    http://www.teara.govt.nz/files/33897-enz.jpg

  9. wellfedweta 9

    I hope we see the back of McCully.

  10. Cinny 10

    Isn’t McCully not standing next election? Another reason for an early election. Lazy man is considering being a List MP rather than electorate MP.

    Time to go Murray, you’ve had a few health scares recently, why not leave politics and look after yourself?

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/77184312/Foreign-Affairs-Minister-Murray-McCully-won-t-contest-East-Coast-Bays-at-2017-election

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-30T22:06:25+00:00