This is a timely reminder of historical precedent where Serco underperformed in managing Mt Eden Prison. It is, indeed, more than curious that the Minister of Health has not disclosed the nature of his meeting with Serco chief executives. I find Simeon Brown an interesting figure: a seemingly competent minister but one who has clear lapses of judgement (as indicated in his "refusal" to say why he met with Serco).
This Minister worked for one year for a bank after university before he became an MP. He is a dogma driven politician akin to the MAGA movement in USA, in my opinion.
Thanks Bryce - spot on. My blood runs cold at the thought of Serco getting their grubby little paws on our health system. Yes, the crucial point is, once again, transparency of intent. I can already hear the denials that it's commercially sensitive and therefore no information can be forthcoming. Do they/does he think we're stupid?
Does this mean that these politicians that we elected believe that New Zealanders are not capable of running or managing anything!! It is clear that those in the Beehive can't.
At this rate all that New Zealanders will be useful for is pruning trees, with this business model.
This last year has seen the destruction of a a large share of our NZ owned productive base, while the contracting entities no longer have the knowledge to manage contacts and procurement. Just look any day at how Downers and Fulton Hogan rip off City Councils with roading management. You can photograph the waste. Even Mrs Thatcher would want to bring back the Ministry of Works if she were to see it!!
Capitalism “is an economic system where private entities, rather than the government, own and control capital goods like factories and land, with these assets used for profit.”
This Government as with Labour led governments, are agents of capitalists.
Until we have an economic system that is not profit driven (think Proutist) we can’t be surprised that the Government is doing their bidding
An approach to the use of public-private partnerships suggested by Rob Campbell in a May 2025 talk on the subject to the Fabian Society:
With another nod to Craig Renney who has produced a “great PPP” list, I would say that the following might be the terms of a “PPPPP”:
- Priority. We want to have built as priorities the projects which best serve social interests, not those which best fit the investment priorities of private funders or which most serve private interests. Think clean waters ahead of faster road trips.
- People. We want projects and process which develop the skills and capabilities of our people for future projects.
- Process. We want process which recognises full environmental, Tiriti, employment and community rights.
- Pricing. We want any funding to limit cost to levels consistent with public funding costs.
- Protection. We want users and government to be protected from consequences such as repricing or remediation costs resulting from the project terms out performance.
I don’t see why progressive interests should accept or undertake to respect any arrangements which breach these principles. If these principles put off potential partners, then so be it.
The term 'articulate incompetence' comes to mind. Google the words to get a variety of examples, notably Boris Johnson. Consultancies like Serco and the money men behind failures such as Thames Water in Britain rely on smooth talking politicians who lack experience and perspective. Well done Bryce for early exposure of this lobbying.
This is a timely reminder of historical precedent where Serco underperformed in managing Mt Eden Prison. It is, indeed, more than curious that the Minister of Health has not disclosed the nature of his meeting with Serco chief executives. I find Simeon Brown an interesting figure: a seemingly competent minister but one who has clear lapses of judgement (as indicated in his "refusal" to say why he met with Serco).
This Minister worked for one year for a bank after university before he became an MP. He is a dogma driven politician akin to the MAGA movement in USA, in my opinion.
He was also home schooled.
That confirms my worst fears......
Thanks Bryce - spot on. My blood runs cold at the thought of Serco getting their grubby little paws on our health system. Yes, the crucial point is, once again, transparency of intent. I can already hear the denials that it's commercially sensitive and therefore no information can be forthcoming. Do they/does he think we're stupid?
Does this mean that these politicians that we elected believe that New Zealanders are not capable of running or managing anything!! It is clear that those in the Beehive can't.
At this rate all that New Zealanders will be useful for is pruning trees, with this business model.
This last year has seen the destruction of a a large share of our NZ owned productive base, while the contracting entities no longer have the knowledge to manage contacts and procurement. Just look any day at how Downers and Fulton Hogan rip off City Councils with roading management. You can photograph the waste. Even Mrs Thatcher would want to bring back the Ministry of Works if she were to see it!!
Let’s be clear
Capitalism “is an economic system where private entities, rather than the government, own and control capital goods like factories and land, with these assets used for profit.”
This Government as with Labour led governments, are agents of capitalists.
Until we have an economic system that is not profit driven (think Proutist) we can’t be surprised that the Government is doing their bidding
Not good to hear this. Great for us all that you have your fingers on the pulse of Brown. What my Scottish mother called a smart Alec’
An approach to the use of public-private partnerships suggested by Rob Campbell in a May 2025 talk on the subject to the Fabian Society:
With another nod to Craig Renney who has produced a “great PPP” list, I would say that the following might be the terms of a “PPPPP”:
- Priority. We want to have built as priorities the projects which best serve social interests, not those which best fit the investment priorities of private funders or which most serve private interests. Think clean waters ahead of faster road trips.
- People. We want projects and process which develop the skills and capabilities of our people for future projects.
- Process. We want process which recognises full environmental, Tiriti, employment and community rights.
- Pricing. We want any funding to limit cost to levels consistent with public funding costs.
- Protection. We want users and government to be protected from consequences such as repricing or remediation costs resulting from the project terms out performance.
I don’t see why progressive interests should accept or undertake to respect any arrangements which breach these principles. If these principles put off potential partners, then so be it.
The term 'articulate incompetence' comes to mind. Google the words to get a variety of examples, notably Boris Johnson. Consultancies like Serco and the money men behind failures such as Thames Water in Britain rely on smooth talking politicians who lack experience and perspective. Well done Bryce for early exposure of this lobbying.