I can't help thinking after reading this that HWEN was really a mistake. Fair enough to consult at length with industry, but to effectively let them run the consultation process itself was taking it too far. In the end, the industry exists within the regulatory framework of NZ, and it has to adapt to that.

I really think Labour would have been better off in the long run taking a harder line with the industry (while still showing they are listening), dealing with the blowback, but at least getting something across the line. I guess hindsight is 20/20 though.