Despite some fairly outrageous criticisms of Air New Zealand executives, and stepping well over the mark of his ministerial responsibilities, Shane Jones' telling off was a fairly light one.

The Regional Economic Development minister's war against the national carrier really took off yesterday with Jones suggesting that the board chairman Tony Carter should step down.

He suggested the board was too much of a hangover from the influence of the National party, and said that Carter had long since outlived his usefulness.

Jones's fury with Air New Zealand is fuelled by its recent decision to cancel its Auckland-Kapiti flights. As Regional Economic Development Minister he has grounds to be concerned about what's happening in the regions.

But what he doesn't have is the authority to be making any comments about who should, or shouldn't be on the Air New Zealand Board.

His outbursts prompted the chairman to write a strongly worded letter to the shareholding minister Grant Robertson on Tuesday, reminding him that Air New Zealand is completely independent - and any appearance of a lack of independence will be taken seriously, and could hurt the company.

And yesterday the CEO Christopher Luxon echoed the sentiments of that letter.

Shane Jones lashed out, saying that if Luxon wants to stick his nose into politics he should resign and join the national party - otherwise, go back into his corporate box.

His words won him a talking to by the Prime Minister.

Jacinda Ardern says while she empathises with his concerns, and she's sure many other Kiwis do too, Jones calling for resignations was a step too far.

And Grant Robertson also made it clear he disagrees with Jones was speaking out of turn, and he disagrees with him. He says Air New Zealand is performing well, and the Chairman and CEO are doing a good job.

And while Shane Jones conceded that it had been made crystal clear to him he didn't have the authority to call for resignations...he wouldn't back down on his comments. In fact, he just repeated them. Saying Luxon should butt out of politics, and the board should be serving the interests of its majority shareholder.

Jones added that if the board thinks they can muzzle him from being a champion for provincial New Zealand, they're sadly mistaken.

So it seems like that rack across the knuckles from the Prime Minister - didn't really sink in - and there'll be more turbulence on the horizon.

While Jone's dedication to the provinces is honourable...it's shrouded with a hint of hypocrisy.

Because despite hurling these insults, Jones is still going to dine out on Air New Zealand's corporate hospitality and attend former US President Barack Obama's invite-only event tonight.

Shane Jones says he has every right to still attend the Air New Zealand sponsored event...arguing that there are other sponsors behind it too, he has strong links to the US, and because, well, of course, he doesn't want to miss out on hearing a man he described as one of the greatest western leaders of his lifetime.