A prominent New Zealand businessman who accused politicians and health officials of holidaying at a dangerous time "misquoted" the Prime Minister, the Beehive has said.
Sir Ian Taylor, who's been trying to push the Government into making improvements to New Zealand's COVID-19 response, at the weekend and on Monday criticised Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - saying he was staggered at her comment that people should have "a wonderful break - you bloody deserve it".
"Nobody should be talking about a break right now," Sir Ian told Newstalk ZB.
"We already missed 16 months, where we did nothing, to shore up the defences and the idea that parliamentarians pat themselves on the back saying, 'You've done really well' … there is nothing to congratulate themselves about."
The Beehive has now responded to Sir Ian's comments.
"Ian Taylor has misquoted the Prime Minister," a spokesperson for Ardern told Newshub.
"Her actual statement is clear that she is thanking all New Zealanders for their sacrifice and commitment during 2021 and that they deserve a good break."
Ardern, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall, "along with other senior ministers and officials will be working through summer and are on a duty roster", the PM's spokesperson said.
The comments Sir Ian was referring to were made by Ardern on the last day of Parliament on Wednesday.
"It's been hard. People have been weary, but Kiwis have done what it takes to put us in the best possible position to keep moving, to take on whatever comes next," Ardern told MPs.
"I, for one, will never underestimate New Zealanders. So to everyone, I wish you a wonderful break.
"You bloody deserve it."
Robertson, in an open letter published by the NZ Herald, said he felt sad reading Sir Ian's comments.
"You write that she is telling politicians and decision-makers that they should take a break. That is not what she said.
"While I accept it's fair to criticise some of the decisions that we have made, I will not accept an accusation of lack of hard work."
Sir Ian's criticisms came amid the arrival of the Omicron variant on New Zealand's shores, which he described as "one of the most dangerous times of this pandemic".
