Business of Government: the ghost of Bill English, the return of Stuart Nash and more

Business of Government: the ghost of Bill English, the return of Stuart Nash and more
Nicola Willis and political mentor Bill English (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
The ghost of Bill English?Combining the public service portfolio with finance is one of the most significant signals from last Friday’s announcement.Checking as far back as the 1960s doesn’t reveal any other instance of this combination – although the second National government of Keith Holyoake and Jack Marshall did combine it with the office of prime minister.Willis is also the minister for social investment – a policy brainchild of her mentor, former National health, finance minister and prime minister Bill Engli...

More Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations
Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations

Auckland Council will need to provide for building heights of at least 10-15 storeys.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Infrastructure Plan floats higher health, electricity spend
Policy

Infrastructure Plan floats higher health, electricity spend

Draft plan identifies priority projects and recommends transport system reform.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Infrastructure plan: 17 projects made it, 31 missed out
Policy

Infrastructure plan: 17 projects made it, 31 missed out

Rail, prison and ferry terminal projects excluded from infrastructure priority list.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Govt funds $5.6m for joint NZ-Nasa Earth observation projects
Policy

Govt funds $5.6m for joint NZ-Nasa Earth observation projects

Nasa will contribute data and nearly $2m in staff time and expertise.

Greg Hurrell 24 Jun 2025