After 18 months of almost daily press conferences, the Prime Minister has decided that just as the number of cases increases and spreads to other regions, she and her team will no longer stand together, the chief of opposition Judith Collins.

“New Zealanders will be troubled by the news – delivered by written declaration – that we have 60 new community cases today and yet our Prime Minister has not even asked one of his senior ministers to replace her on the podium.

“National has sometimes criticized unnecessary press conferences that have taken place when case numbers were very low, but if Jacinda Ardern felt it necessary to speak directly to the media, why now, with 60 cases, is she missing?

“Clearly there are questions Prime Minister Ardern does not want to be asked. The role of gangs in the spread of Covid-19 Delta does not sit well with her as she has taken a soft and gentle approach of organized crime throughout his tenure.

“It’s easy to stand in front of microphones and cameras when you’re being praised and things are going well. It takes a strong leader to stand up when things are going badly and New Zealanders have questions.

“Now is the most important time for Jacinda Ardern to face the media. The Kiwis have questions; her own experts are also asking questions publicly. It is unforgivable that she went to the ground with only pictures of relationships carefully cultivated audiences appearing on social media.

“Not another day should go by without a press conference where the media can ask the vital and embarrassing questions of this government. Either Jacinda has to cope – I’m sure the media will go her way – or she has to put up Minister Hipkins or Robertson.

© Scoop Media

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