""As the power of caucus has weakened, the role of communication specialists become more dominant."

"In an earlier era the caucus room was the amphitheatre in which issues of the day were fiercely debated. That happens less frequently and the caucus is served decisions that have already been pre- cooked in the Beehive and discussed and digested with coalition and/or support parties.
    "Covid has tended to strengthen that trend.
    "As the power of caucus has weakened, the role of communication specialists become more dominant. Ministerial offices have more of them and the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet has a small army, all marching to the same drumbeat."

~ from the Point of Order post 'Caucus neophytes may be keeping the govt from knowing what Kiwis in their electorates are wanting'