If anyone tells you today that they believe all this talk about the government being more transparent when the next pandemic hits, just put it down to a bit of the old Covid brain.

And, if you find yourself believing it, just tell yourself too that that’s what it is and that it will eventually wear off and you’ll come to your senses.

Because are we really expected to believe this?

So, what’s happened, is the government has released its response to the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry.

The inquiry which made 63 recommendations. All of which have been accepted by the government in some way, shape or form.

With Health Minister Simeon Brown saying that a key thing is going to be rebuilding New Zealanders’ trust. After the way things went during Covid.

Which is why he’s saying that, next time, any key advice used by the government to make decisions which affect our individual rights will be made public within five working days.

Which sounds great, doesn’t it? But don’t think for a minute that that will mean you and I knowing more and understanding things more.

Because, for starters, while the current lot might think this should happen. There’s no guarantee any future government will think the same. Can you imagine Labour, for example, signing up to this?

They're not going to make this any sort of legal or constitutional requirement. It’s just what the current government says, in an ideal world, should happen. And has its fingers crossed that another crowd in government would feel the same.

Also, what Simeon Brown isn’t telling us, is the level of detail the government of the day would share with us. Within five working days.

There’s a big difference between releasing information that is useful and enlightening and releasing information just because you said you’d release information.

LISTEN ABOVE

If anyone tells you today that they believe all this talk about the government being more transparent when the next pandemic hits, just put it down to a bit of the old Covid brain.
And, if you find yourself believing it, just tell yourself too that that’s what it is and that it will eventually wear off and you’ll come to your senses.
Because are we really expected to believe this?
So, what’s happened, is the government has released its response to the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry.
The inquiry which made 63 recommendations. All of which have been accepted by the government in some way, shape or form.
With Health Minister Simeon Brown saying that a key thing is going to be rebuilding New Zealanders’ trust. After the way things went during Covid.
Which is why he’s saying that, next time, any key advice used by the government to make decisions which affect our individual rights will be made public within five working days.
Which sounds great, doesn’t it? But don’t think for a minute that that will mean you and I knowing more and understanding things more.
Because, for starters, while the current lot might think this should happen. There’s no guarantee any future government will think the same. Can you imagine Labour, for example, signing up to this?
They're not going to make this any sort of legal or constitutional requirement. It’s just what the current government says, in an ideal world, should happen. And has its fingers crossed that another crowd in government would feel the same.
Also, what Simeon Brown isn’t telling us, is the level of detail the government of the day would share with us. Within five working days.
There’s a big difference between releasing information that is useful and enlightening and releasing information just because you said you’d release information.
LISTEN ABOVE

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays.

It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking.

If it’s news you’re after, backing John is the combined power of the Newstalk ZB and New Zealand Herald news teams. Meaning when it comes to covering breaking news – you will not beat local radio.

With two decades experience in communications based in Christchurch, John also has a deep understanding of and connections to the Christchurch and Canterbury commercial sector.

Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings 9am-12pm with John MacDonald on 100.1FM and iHeartRadio.

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays. It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking. If it’s news you’re after, backing John is the combined power of the Newstalk ZB and New Zealand Herald news teams. Meaning when it comes to covering breaking news – you will not beat local radio. With two decades experience in communications based in Christchurch, John also has a deep understanding of and connections to the Christchurch and Canterbury commercial sector. Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings 9am-12pm with John MacDonald on 100.1FM and iHeartRadio.

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays.It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking.

Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald

John MacDonald: Trust us, we'll be more open next time. Pfft

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e7834b7d-9ed2-4128-b3bd-b4970007ad52/transcript