At a recent question time, several key members from both the crossbench and opposition united to ask the government a range of key questions surrounding their plans for the future. Such questions ranged from "What plans does the minister have to meet the targets of fully renewable energy generation by 2030. " by the now ACT MP u/Frod02000 to u/SoSaturnistic's question "Does the government agree with me that it is time to remove the Green Party's restrictions on water fluoridation which were implemented in 2007?". Both were excellent questions on topics the New Zealand public have grown to become more concerned about in recent times.

In their speech from the throne this government proposed 100% renewable energy by 2030, a lofty but not unachievable aim which would ensure a greener future for all Kiwis. Yet with the previous government's spotty at best record of keeping promises it was up to the teams on both the cross benches and opposition benches to hold this government accountable on their promises to Kiwis and see what work had been done on the project thus far. The answer it would seem, is none, as the minister for the environment, u/artemisjasper didn't even bother turning up to answer the question! A sad indictment on the current state of affairs when the someone who supposedly fights for "this community, and a brighter greener future for us all" cannot answer a simple question of whether or not they have planned for the future. If the Greens plan on creating a sustainable future for all Kiwis (as the should) then the least their minister can do is outline how they are going to do it and what the timescale for such actions would be.

Water fluoridation works towards improving the teeth of Kiwis around New Zealand in a way that does not impact their quality of life and only requires the odd glass of water. Surely saving money spent on dental healthcare services and the like would be common sense, rather than banning fluoridation and risking the dental hygiene of kiwis. Regardless of your views on the issue, it was up to the minister of health u/UnorthodoxAmbassador to alleviate the confusion surrounding this issue, but as was par for course that night the minister of health was not there to answer the question.

Infact, no minister, was on hand to answer any questions from members of the public and of the house. It's little wonder this government is under threat of a VONC when their ministers don't even show up for question time, and are veritably missing in action.

So Speaker, my question is to the people of New Zealand, where is your Government?

This piece was written in an opinion column in the New Zealand Herald, by Deputy Leader of ACT BestInBounds