Stuart Nash has resigned as Minister of Police, after acknowledging that in 2021 he criticised a judicial decision and then urged the Police Commissioner to appeal the decision.
He had no further involvement in the matter and was not Minister Of Police at the time.
Nevertheless, his ‘interference’ is a violation of rules against ministerial involvement in investigations and prosecutorial matters. Says the Cabinet Manual: “Following a long-established principle, Ministers do not comment on or involve themselves in the investigation of offences or the decision as to whether a person should be prosecuted, or on what charge.”
Opposition parties say Nash should be banished from the Cabinet. In a media stand up, Prime Minister Hipkins fended off press inquiries to that effect, saying Nash had “paid the price” proportionately for his “error of judgement”.
Personally, I’d like to see Nash hold onto his portfolio as Minister for Economic Development and his role as Ministerial Lead on Hawke’s Bay recovery.
Over the years, including clashing with him over amalgamation, I’ve come to appreciate MP Nash as one of the very rare politicians who often actually says what he means. Most of his fellow politicians would regard that itself as a profound ‘error of judgment’, whereas I suspect most of the public would find such unusual behaviour refreshing!
In the months ahead, Hawke’s Bay politicians, bureaucrats and interest groups will face many tough decisions as they attempt to chart a sustainable, resilient future for our region. It will be a tough slog … and not for the timid.
Nash strikes me as someone prepared to knock heads – if and when necessary – to keep that process moving at the pace it must.
Hopefully the last word on the matter from PM Hipkins, on Friday:
“It’s clear from his pattern of behaviour that Stuart is not acting to achieve personal gain from his actions. The cases in questions represent his desire to get things done in his portfolios and on behalf of his communities.
“Stuart does on occasion speak in a more colloquial manner that reflects the sentiments of many people in the community but he does need to take greater care to ensure that what he says and how he says it uphold the standards of a Cabinet minister.”
Plain and simply dumped, for not following the Labour Party’s line of being Soft on Crime! Good on him for having the courage of his convictions. And supporting what the vast majority of people are saying………