September 6, 2020 • 31 mins
Labour is backing calls to make Matariki a public holiday.
It would work out a winter date starting in 2022, to celebrate our national identity, cultures and traditions - and boost tourism and hospitality.
Waitangi Day was the last public holiday introduced - nearly 50 years ago.
Matariki - which heralds the start of the Maori New Year - would take the number of public holidays in New Zealand to 12 - counting regional anniversaries as one.
Speaking on Newstalk ZB's The Front Bench, former ACT press secretary Trish Sherson's not a fan.
"This election, and totally the wrong time, the big promise is another public holiday. I think it's tone deaf."
But former Labour minister Chris Carter disagreed.
"The Government is looking for ways in which, not only can we celebrate that Maori heritage, but also stimulate business."
Meanwhile, Winston Peters is making headlines again. The New Zealand First leader butted heads live on air with TVNZ's Jack Tame yesterday - after being asked about leaking and fraud investigations.
Peters accused the broadcaster of ambushing him on topics he hadn't prepared for.
Speaking on Newstalk ZB's The Front Bench, political editor Barry Soper says it's classic Peters.
"For Winston, this is theatre. He thinks by attacking the messenger, as he always does with the media - the public applaud him."
Listen above to The Front Bench - Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Trish Sherson and Chris Carter thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Vote 2020
It would work out a winter date starting in 2022, to celebrate our national identity, cultures and traditions - and boost tourism and hospitality.
Waitangi Day was the last public holiday introduced - nearly 50 years ago.
Matariki - which heralds the start of the Maori New Year - would take the number of public holidays in New Zealand to 12 - counting regional anniversaries as one.
Speaking on Newstalk ZB's The Front Bench, former ACT press secretary Trish Sherson's not a fan.
"This election, and totally the wrong time, the big promise is another public holiday. I think it's tone deaf."
But former Labour minister Chris Carter disagreed.
"The Government is looking for ways in which, not only can we celebrate that Maori heritage, but also stimulate business."
Meanwhile, Winston Peters is making headlines again. The New Zealand First leader butted heads live on air with TVNZ's Jack Tame yesterday - after being asked about leaking and fraud investigations.
Peters accused the broadcaster of ambushing him on topics he hadn't prepared for.
Speaking on Newstalk ZB's The Front Bench, political editor Barry Soper says it's classic Peters.
"For Winston, this is theatre. He thinks by attacking the messenger, as he always does with the media - the public applaud him."
Listen above to The Front Bench - Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Trish Sherson and Chris Carter thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Vote 2020
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