Lessons to learn from bitter defeat
This was a defeat, and a big one. We have to start with this unpleasant reality. National, on the current results, could govern alone if they chose; at 48% their share of the vote has actually increased compared to the last election. This is an extraordinary situation. Over one million people voted for National. The Herald calls Key […]
The Greens: Soft on National, Soft on the Causes of National
The Greens are soft on National: Last week, Russel Norman and Gareth Hughes made much of the Greens’ ability to deliver no matter who is in Government. Why would they do this? Because they have lost faith in the left – the core of which is still the urban working class – and are trying […]
Foreigners are not to blame: nationalism and the elections
While the fall-out from Nicky Hager’s Dirty Politics is the standout feature of the general election campaign, some of the foremost policy questions have been around the interrelated issues of housing, land ownership, and immigration. Labour, Green and Internet Mana have taken a nationalist, anti-foreigner stand alongside New Zealand First, who claim this territory as their own. […]
Prison reform on the path to prison abolition
[An activist and friend of ISO submitted this article to Socialist Review, and we were happy to print it in our latest issue. National’s announcement last week of more plans for ‘working prisons’ gives the article an added relevance and urgency. You can subscribe to Socialist Review here.] “Those of us that identify as prison […]
March Against New Zealand’s Shame
600 – 700 people marched against domestic violence, ending at parliament, today. The march was a uniting call to action to address sexual and domestic violence. There were other protests on this issue throughout the country, with the one at parliament the largest by far. The Facebook page for the event described it as follows: […]
Are the Greens a Left Alternative?
Brian S. Roper takes an in-depth look at the policies and politics of the Greens. Introduction As indicated by the major polls, support for the Green Party ranged from around 11% to 13% throughout 2014. The Green Party received 11% of the vote and 14 MPs at the 2011 general election, compared to Labour’s 27.5% […]
Nicky Hager Q&A on “Dirty Politics”
Nicky Hager’s book “Dirty Politics” has captured the headlines since it was released and has rocked this election campaign. At a recent public meeting in Auckland, Nicky Hager engaged with the public answering questions and explaining the ethos behind the book and how he came to write it. Josh O’Sullivan was there. It was […]
The Second Leaders Debate: A Response to Key on Capital Gains Tax
The media has proclaimed John Key the winner of last night leaders’ debate because Labour leader David Cunliffe was caught off guard by Key’s question as to whether his proposed capital gains tax would apply to “300,000 family homes held in trusts”. Given that Key made over $5 million dollars in tax-free capital gains last […]
Ballot for industrial action by PSA members in the health sector
Over the first few days of August, a secret ballot for industrial action was conducted by Public Service Association (PSA) members in the health sector. The result was a resounding yes to industrial action. More than one third of the 12,000 PSA health members participated in the on-line ballot with 90% voting in favour. Allied […]
We Need Independent Class Politics, Not Cross-class Alliances
[In June we published an editorial ‘Should Socialists Support the Internet-Mana alliance?‘ Martin Gregory from our Wellington/Poneke branch replied here. In this contribution Shomi Yoon continues the debate. This article was submitted before Nicky Hager’s Dirty Politics was published.] The latest polls show National in a comfortable lead with Labour trailing woefully behind. If the […]
