GORDON LIGHTFOOT | National
ALL ADDS UP
New Zealand Prime Minister Leigh Hart, formerly of Moon TV and Sportscafe fame, says it’s the little things that will end up getting us through this fuel crisis.
Hart held a press conference this afternoon to say that when you’re driving somewhere, why not try parking a kilometre or two short of your destination and then walking the rest of the way.
“Look it’s a win win for New Zealanders. What the people want is to use less petrol and to fit in more exercise. Everyone’s so busy these days, it’s hard to do both. But surprise surprise I’ve been the one to figure all that out,” he said.
“People might say it’s missing the point, and that petrol still costs too much, but those people are bloody stupid. At the end of the day, if you spend less, then it costs you less.”
Hart says the biggest benefit of his new scheme is there’s no admin involved and it won’t cost the government any more money.
“Look we did the subsidy thing for people that really need it, and I think it’s working but geez that was a muckaround to get sorted.
“End of the day, it’s common sense that’s going to get people over the line, not some squirrely bureaucrat in Wellington.”
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins rubbished the idea, saying the cost of petrol is definitely the government’s fault, before quickly disappearing to avoid any unrelated questions about his party’s pandemic response.
“Well, this is the government of the day and Mr Hart should have been prepared for an oil shock like this, and the reality is he just wasn’t. Okay, no more questions? Good, thanks.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hart revealed more detail for his new scheme.
“See what you do is you set up your satNav or ya Google Maps and just pre-plan how far away you’re going to park from where you actually need to be. I’d pull up short by a kilometre most days, but I’d go two if I’m feeling keen and I’ve got the time.”
More to come.
