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Thanks, David Cunliffe
Posted Mon 10 November 2008 @ 2:42 p.m. by Ernie
So the Labour-led government has gone - and with it for the moment at least, David Cunliffe as Minister of Communications. Cunliffe will be missed. Seriously. Like any business organisation TUANZ membership embraces a range of political colours. Yet through all the frenetic action and controversy of these last few years it has been hard to find anyone with a serious criticism of Cunliffe as Minister. No matter how blue their tie or yellow their jacket, I've found TUANZ members have regarded him with sincere admiration. Admiration because he's got things done. He's done it through raw intellect, determination, and sheer gutsy hard work. The respect people have for Cunliffe cuts way across party lines. I saw him last week. He said "thanks, its been good working with you" in a way that seemed resigned. Prophetic, even. Well, David, TUANZ has enjoyed working with you too. You picked up the needs of users instantly, recognised the need to strengthen the legislation, and made friends with Telecom through an extraordinarily complex separation process. You started work on the politically-charged Kiwi Share, treading where others hadn't dared. You were accessible, transparent, and straight. You led in the most positive sense. I have no doubt whatsoever we'll see a great deal more of you in New Zealand politics over time. Meanwhile thanks for being a star performer, in a very challenging role, at a tumultuous time. New Zealand telecommunications users are substantially the better for your tenure.

Categories: Education \| Events \| Fixed line carriers \| Innovation \| ISPs \| Light relief \| Regulatory \| TUANZ policy \| Vendors \| Wireless carriers
Comments (5)

5 Comments

Rod Drury says:
I agree. David took the time to build relationships across the industry and understand the many complex issues. It will be a shame to lose his experience. Perhaps the blue team should reach out and involve DC in working out next steps. http://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/rod-drury/don-t-squander-broadband-opportunity
Added: 10 November 2008, 8:38 p.m.

Chris O'Connell - TUANZ Chair says:
Yes I'd add my endorsement to that! DC really got it! sometimes well in advance of his officials. I hope his knowledge can be retained as getting the infrastructure right is a long term project. TUANZ will certainly strive to maintain our relationship with David just as we have with Maurice and Paul Swain. There seems to be something about the ICT portfolio that actually brings out the best in the Ministers we've had. So I'd like to Thank David for the open door, the listening ear and his active support.
Added: 11 November 2008, 8:36 a.m.

Neil says:
I agree Having worked at Telecom, Clear and Compass Communications in times gone past, I believe what DC has been putting in place has been very beneficial for all New Zealanders. My only fear now is that Maurice Williamson may somehow have some involvement in Telecommunications again. His overarching backing and support of Telecom to the detriment of real competition over the years before Labour took over must disqualify him for anything to do with telecommunication in future. I only hope that John Key will realise this and exclude him from any portfolio to do with our industry.
Added: 11 November 2008, 3:53 p.m.

David Butcher says:
During the discussion of structural separation of Telecom's infrastructure and services, David immediately saw the relevance of the argument that in the long term full separation will enhance shareholder value as the higher rate of profit on services will not be drowned by spreading it over the much lager capital base of infrastructure. This argument is widely accepted internationally and has the potential to augment the breadth and depth of competition to benefit of end users.
Added: 14 November 2008, 12:00 p.m.

Jane says:
David did an excellent job and made massive progress during his tenure, more than the previous decade. I'd like to thank him as well. Like Rod, I too hope that there will be good co-operation between the new guard and the previous regieme - it would be a pity to lose all that institutional knowledge for the sake of party politics.
Added: 29 November 2008, 10:02 a.m.

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