Good old sorted and captured Luxon, the cosplaying egghead PM gets sucked in yet again. I mean Michelin would have been able to see him coming a mile away. I’m an Australian and even I feel embarrassed for Kiwis. I mean it’s not fair that everyday New Zealanders should have to put up with such monumental incompetence.
Truly shocking decision and yet another example of how out of touch this government is with the values and priorities of this country. Yet another pandering to the top 1% who must value gorging themselves over the experience of breathtaking landscapes, clean air and water, rich culture and friendly people.
There does seem to be a lot of misplaced brand snobbery in NZ. For example the idea that European cars are somehow more elite than Japanese, despite the latter having consistently proven to be significantly more reliable and much better equipped at lower cost. So for me this Government purchase appears to be something of the same ilk in having a greatly overblown notion of the value of hospitality outlets with Michelin star branding to attract potential high rolling visitors.
When the reality of course is that New Zealand has very limited high end culture that could attract the rich and never will, so a couple of Michelin star restaurants is going to make no difference. Rather it is just those restaurant owners, if they can manage to earn a couple of stars, who will be raking it in from the local foodie snobs. Undoubtedly more tax payers' money down the toilet.
It's money from the Tourist Tax, which I thought would go to DOC, environmental improvements, fishing reserves, even toilets to stop travellers polluting our country. Not bringing in super-rich to spend on the NZ rich. Tourists are using our emergency public health system ++( including helicopters), so prop that up first please.
Questionable decision at best in terms of the spending priorities, something that has had most of us scratching our heads. I also hadn't realised that only restaurants in those particular destinations are "eligible." What about The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station, and other amazing destination restaurants in provincial NZ? Don't think the Michelin guide is needed for these people to see a reason to wing their way in private jets to NZ when they're looking for places to build their bunkers.
Thank you Bryce, for bringing a clear eyed view to this supposed win for our country. Another performative gesture, but will voters remember this at the next election?
"When homelessness is met with policing, but fine dining is met with subsidies, something has gone deeply wrong". 'Nuff said.
I totally agree Aroha! It’s a supreme disgrace!!
Good old sorted and captured Luxon, the cosplaying egghead PM gets sucked in yet again. I mean Michelin would have been able to see him coming a mile away. I’m an Australian and even I feel embarrassed for Kiwis. I mean it’s not fair that everyday New Zealanders should have to put up with such monumental incompetence.
Truly shocking decision and yet another example of how out of touch this government is with the values and priorities of this country. Yet another pandering to the top 1% who must value gorging themselves over the experience of breathtaking landscapes, clean air and water, rich culture and friendly people.
I wonder if our fish and chip shop at the corner will get a listing............
There does seem to be a lot of misplaced brand snobbery in NZ. For example the idea that European cars are somehow more elite than Japanese, despite the latter having consistently proven to be significantly more reliable and much better equipped at lower cost. So for me this Government purchase appears to be something of the same ilk in having a greatly overblown notion of the value of hospitality outlets with Michelin star branding to attract potential high rolling visitors.
When the reality of course is that New Zealand has very limited high end culture that could attract the rich and never will, so a couple of Michelin star restaurants is going to make no difference. Rather it is just those restaurant owners, if they can manage to earn a couple of stars, who will be raking it in from the local foodie snobs. Undoubtedly more tax payers' money down the toilet.
It's money from the Tourist Tax, which I thought would go to DOC, environmental improvements, fishing reserves, even toilets to stop travellers polluting our country. Not bringing in super-rich to spend on the NZ rich. Tourists are using our emergency public health system ++( including helicopters), so prop that up first please.
The super-rich are welcome to spend their money anywhere they want in NZ, but it ain't going to happen because of this scheme
The State-owned Tourism NZ budget and Tourist levies should be spent on NZ conservation.
Let the Hospitality Industry and Michelin pay for Awards.
Thanks for this info again Bryce. This COG so much like Trumpisim, only play to your donors.
Beware the tyranny of the few.
Meanwhile: 190 contractors being cut by Oranga Tamariki (gee thanks, Nicki Noboats) forces the closure of the Auckland women's Centres. who serve hundreds of women each year and their children. Where will they go now? To individuals and private citizens like me, chipping in our not-Michelin-star lunch money. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525470/families-devastated-as-oranga-tamariki-cuts-off-funding-to-190-social-service-providers
Questionable decision at best in terms of the spending priorities, something that has had most of us scratching our heads. I also hadn't realised that only restaurants in those particular destinations are "eligible." What about The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station, and other amazing destination restaurants in provincial NZ? Don't think the Michelin guide is needed for these people to see a reason to wing their way in private jets to NZ when they're looking for places to build their bunkers.
Thank you Bryce, for bringing a clear eyed view to this supposed win for our country. Another performative gesture, but will voters remember this at the next election?
I'm with Bryce and Nick Iles, the Michelin Guide is Old Hat.
What is the old saying ? When in hole stop digging... this lot of morons just get worse every day.