Political Homelessness in New Zealand: Labour vs. National

Overview

• National Party: Criticized for exacerbating physical homelessness through housing unaffordability and benefit cuts.
• Labour Party: Criticized for causing 'political homelessness' by failing to represent clear, concrete values and often betraying the working class.

Labour Party's Political Failings

• Attempts to appeal to both business interests and working-class voters, often leading to betrayal of the latter.
• Lacks strong commitments and transformative action.
• History of disillusionment among its supporters due to unmet promises.

Key Historical Events

• 1980s Neoliberal Reforms: Labour under Prime Minister David Lange and Finance Minister Roger Douglas shifted towards neoliberalism, alienating unions and the working class.
  • Led to the formation of the new Labour Party by Jim Anderton as a left-wing alternative.
• 1980s Race Relations Controversy: Appointment of Wally Hirsch as race relations conciliator without consultation with Māori community.
  • Hirsch's controversial statements further fueled disillusionment.
• Roger Douglas' Departure: Left Labour to further pursue neoliberal agenda, founding ACT New Zealand.

Foreshore and Seabed Controversy

• 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act: Initiated by Helen Clark, ignoring Māori customary rights, leading to protests.
• Political fallout included the formation of the Māori Party and departures from Labour by prominent Māori leaders.

Recent Issues

• Two-Tier Benefit System: Introduced during COVID-19, excluding existing beneficiaries.
• Police Relations: Chris Hipkins’ dismissal of concerns from marginalized communities regarding police, alienating ethnic minorities further.

Consequences and Criticisms

• Political Homelessness: Resulting from Labour's failure to provide a clear direction and consistent representation.
• Rise of Extremism: Disillusioned voters may turn to more radical alternatives on both the left and right.

Calls for New Political Alternatives

• Need for strong, principled political parties on the left that are:
  • Pro-worker
  • Pro-Māori
  • Pro-environment
  • Pro-community
• Suggestion that a new political force is needed to replace Labour, akin to Labour's replacement of the Liberal Party in the early 1900s.