Fran O'Sullivan looks at the mix of big spending and nationalisation outcomes (Air NZ, the railways) that will form the current Government's legacy (a bit like Think Big). She suggests scrutiny of the costings of these projects may be in order, including the newly announced research fund.
Where the Labour Government may be vulnerable is on the costings of its own major projects.
Cabinet ministers will certainly be hoping their projects won't ultimately be criticised as a waste of taxpayers' money in the way Think Big ultimately became tarred.
Cullen clearly put too much Government cash into buying the Auckland suburban rail network from Tranz Rail. Toll Holdings will be an even harder negotiator.
