Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reined in Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones, telling him his call for Air New Zealand bosses to be sacked is a step too far.
Mr Jones this morning criticised Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxton, saying he should step down today if he wants to talk politics instead of business.
Mr Jones also said Air New Zealand chairman Tony Carter should step down from the board.
His comments came after Air New Zealand announced it would no longer conduct flights to the Kapiti Coast, after flights to Kaitaia were halted in 2015.
Ms Ardern this afternoon told reporters at Parliament the original point Mr Jones raised as someone who's a strong defender of the regions won't surprise anyone, and she herself has raised questions in the past around making sure the regions are well served.
"But calling for the sacking of any board member is a step too far and I have told Shane Jones that," she said.
“Look, this is not a sacking offence, not for any Air New Zealand board member, not for Shane.
Asked has she given him "a good telling off", Ms Ardern said: "I have certainly explained to him that he is absolutely entitled to an opinion which he has shared. But suggesting anyone from the board should go is a step too far."
A reporter pointed out that some people have suggested Mr Jones should go, but Ms Ardern said this is not a sacking offence.
"Look, this is not a sacking offence, not for any Air New Zealand board member, not for Shane. He's expressed an opinion, one that I know some New Zealanders will certainly share some sympathy for, particularly those in the regions. But suggesting someone should be sacked is too far," the Prime Minister said.
In his comments directed at Mr Luxton this morning, Mr Jones said: "If you want to be a politician step down today ... otherwise get back into your box."
Mr Carter defended his airline this morning, telling RNZ Air New Zealand's independence from government - in terms of making decisions based on profit, not public benefit - has paid off with strong growth.
National Party Economic and Regional Development spokesperson Paul Goldsmith issued a statement saying Mr Jones "needs to get some discipline".
"While some regional New Zealanders may share Mr Jones' frustration with air services, Shane Jones is going too far indulging in personal attacks on business leaders," Mr Goldsmith said.
Air New Zealand is 52 per cent owned by the government, but has no official obligations to the public other than returning a profit.
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