A year of challenges and wins for the coalition govt

OPINION: The coalition Government has officially turned one.

Christopher Luxon entered into an agreement with populist NZ First Leader Winston Peters and libertarian David Seymour.

And what a hell of a year it’s been for them, eh? You have to ask, is the country doing better or worse under this Government?

Well, that depends on your definition of better or worse.

Here’s what I think the Government has done well.

• The handling of the books, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hellbent on cost-saving measures after years of reckless spending under Labour – that’s great.

• The tough-on-crime stance is another great example of the Govt’s commitment to keeping people safe.

• Tax cuts - some might argue wasn’t a good move, but National campaigned on it and delivered on it.

Where hasn’t it done well, though?

• Well, you only need to turn your attention to last week’s hikoi to get a sense of what the coalition has done a poor job of handling

• Race relations are at an all-time low in this country due to the ACT Party’s Treaty Principles Bill

• Also, the major layoffs to the public sector are incredibly shortsighted. While it may balance the books now, it’ll likely lead to a strained public service

That’s Will’s Word.