Key admits mistake: Tolley and Groser shuffled out

• Michael Foxglove
• 14 years ago
• Categories: Conservation, education, john key, national/act government

Today John Key admitted his mistake in two Ministerial portfolio appointments, as two long overdue changes were announced.

1) Chopper Tolley has rightfully been shuffled out of the Tertiary Education portfolio, which goes to Steven Joyce. Tolley’s record has been appalling, most infamously taking a chopper ride to get a “helicopter view” of the AUT campus. In the Tertiary sector Chopper Tolley avoided students and angered staff in her incompetence and determination to treat universities like corporations.

We should remain worried how much damage Tolley will do to primary schools as she moves to introduce the deeply flawed and unpopular national standards. Until she goes completely, our education system isn’t safe.

2) Tim Groser has finally been relieved of the Conservation portfolio. Thank god. Can you imagine a worse fit for someone known as “the most arrogant man to come out of MFAT”, whose first experience in the NZ outdoors was in a helicopter after becoming Minister?

Let’s hope Groser’s replacement Kate Wilkinson has a bit of passion for NZ’s precious heritage, and sticks up to “Sexy Coal” Brownlee and his plans to mine and build roads through our national parks.

Seriously, what was John Key thinking making these awful appointments in the first place?