New Minister of Conservation
Original post
I can't find much of a reference yet besides a one-liner on The Spinoff, but following Kiri Allan's news of a cancer diagnosis, and her taking medical leave as a consequence, it seems Ayesha Verrall will be picking up the Conservation portfolio, at least temporarily. (Ref: https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/06-04-2021/kiri-allan-urges-smear-tests-after-cervical-cancer-diagnosis/ )
i had to look her background up, its medical. cant find any reference about her being involved in conservation... maybe she grows roses?
Yep, I don’t think ministers have to have any expertise in whatever portfolio they end up with
Unfortunately
Ayesha was in my hall of residence at uni and in my med school class. She was a specialist in infectious diseases (I think - though it could have been microbiology- she was involved in writing the NZ TB guidelines) in Wellington before parliament. I don't recall her being into the outdoors or conservation issues at all in uni times, although I didn't know her that well.
i looked at her profile on the labour website, if she had any background in conservation you'd expect to see it there.. and there was none
It could be a temporary thing given the circumstances because there was very short notice. In any case I don't think direct expertise of a Minister is nearly as important as an ability to know how to get good advice, to ask the right questions and to stand up for the portfolio.
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| Forum | The campfire |
|---|---|
| Started by | izogi |
| On | 7 April 2021 |
| Replies | 6 |
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