On Chris Lynch Media’s Friday panel, Wigram MP Megan Woods and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey exchanged strong views on political accountability, mental health services, and proposed road tolling in Canterbury.
One of the key topics was Labour leader Chris Hipkins and former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s decision not to appear in person before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19.
Woods said the suggestion that Hipkins was avoiding scrutiny was not accurate. “Chris Hipkins has answered over 20 pages of written questions. The Royal Commission has confirmed there has been complete cooperation from former ministers. The answers have been provided and the Commission has acknowledged that,” she said. “The role of the Commission is to gather answers, not to create theatre. There is more than one way to engage with the process.”
“This is not about hiding. It is about giving the Commission what it needs to do its job. It is not a political rally. It is a legal process and we have engaged with it fully.”
Doocey argued that the decision not to front publicly sent the wrong message. “I think it is a missed opportunity to demonstrate openness. People want to see their leaders speak directly to the public about decisions that changed their lives.
“Turning up shows you are willing to stand by what you did,” he said. “If there is nothing to hide, there is no reason not to appear in person. Public trust depends on transparency.”
The discussion moved to the recent report into Hillmorton Hospital, which described “poorly designed, ageing inpatient and forensic facilities” and a disconnect between frontline staff and leadership.
Doocey called the findings troubling and said the issues must be addressed quickly.
“We cannot have a mental health system where those on the front line are not backed by strong systems and proper infrastructure. When facilities are outdated and leadership is disconnected, the risk of serious incidents increases. People’s lives depend on getting this right,” he said. “It is not acceptable to keep repeating the same mistakes. We owe it to both patients and staff to deliver a safe, effective service.”
Woods agreed improvements were needed and said she shared the concerns raised in the report. “We must ensure that the buildings, the systems, and the support structures are fit for purpose. That means modernising facilities and creating real links between those who make decisions and those working with patients every day,” she said. “Staff need to feel heard and supported. The community needs to know the services are safe and reliable. We cannot shy away from making the changes that are necessary.”
The panel also tackled the proposal to toll the Woodend Bypass and Belfast to Pegasus Motorway.
Light vehicles could be tolled at $2.50 and heavy vehicles at $5.
Woods criticised the plan as unfair to residents. “This would effectively mean people in the South Island are paying twice, through taxes and through tolls. For many families this could add up to over a thousand dollars a year. That is a significant extra cost at a time when people are already under financial pressure,” she said. “We need to think about fairness and the real-life impact on households.”
Doocey said there were differing views within the community. “Some people tell me they are willing to pay a toll if it means getting the road built faster and improving safety. Others say they cannot afford another cost on top of everything else. The challenge is making sure the local community is properly consulted and has a real say in what happens,” he said. “Whatever the decision, it has to reflect the voices of the people who will be affected the most.”
The full discussion is available on Chris Lynch Media’s platforms.
