GORDON LIGHTFOOT | Politics
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has been spotted at her dining room table with scissors, glue and a pile of printed logos from Australian banks.
Sources say she is “refreshing” the National Party logo so it better reflects the party’s priorities. The redesign features the classic blue N, now covered with the gold of ASB and the blue of ANZ.
National’s Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill could basically shut down a class action against ANZ and ASB, by tens of thousands of kiwis.
National accused of putting needs of banks before everyday kiwis
The Taxpayers Union say “Instead of letting the courts do their job, Nicola Willis and Scott Simpson are stepping in to shut it down with the stroke of a pen. That’s not justice — that’s Parliament playing defence for its mates.”
Rather than distance herself from the controversy, Willis has decided to bring the banks even closer.
“She was very particular about where the ANZ logo should go,” the source continued. “She said it needed to be right at the heart of the National Party.”
According to party insiders, Willis believes the new look will show “unity between the National Party and important financial partners.” Critics say it just shows whose team she’s really on.
One neighbour who caught a glimpse of the work in progress was blunt. “I thought she was doing a school project for one of her kids. Then I realised it was for the next election campaign. Makes sense, I guess.”
The redesign has not yet been approved by National Party HQ, but those close to Willis say she is determined to finish it before the weekend.
“It’s nice to see a Finance Minister taking such a hands-on approach,” said one supporter. “Even if it’s with glue sticks instead of economic policy.”
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank has declined to comment on whether party logos should include the branding of banks currently being sued.
At press time, Willis was reportedly starting work on matching National Party letterhead, featuring repeating patterns of ANZ and ASB logos in the margins.
More to come.
