The New Zealand left are in the worst place in a century

Written By: - Date published: 11:20 am, September 23rd, 2024 - 68 comments
Categories: Chlöe Swarbrick, chris hipkins, greens, labour, maori party, marama davidson, Rawiri Waititi - Tags:

New Zealand has the most right wing government it’s had since Governor George Grey determined to eradicate all Maori power by systematic war and then systematic legislative theft in 1863. This government’s policies are pretty much identical to the quarry-enclave economy of British boom-bust cycles – an ideological framework prior to the 20th century establishment of an active and redistributive state guided by a responsive democratic order.

Yet the people do not rise. 

We are heading to 2025 with an even more sustained recession with a truncated state that has no purpose nor ability to lead the country. We are barely managed, let alone led.

Just five years ago, on September 27 2019, over 170,000 New Zealanders marched to demand that the government lead the way on climate change.

That day in September gave courage to young Prime Minister Ardern to forge ahead with pathbreaking climate change management legislation and funding and policy programmes. There were to be no new licenses for oil and gas exploration. We had a target to be carbon-neutral. We were going to convert our cars away from combustion. We would reclaim the Helen Clark 100% Pure NZ promise  – no matter how inadequate – that collectively we would stand for something once more and that we would be proud of ourselves as we knew we could be. 

Power shifts. Governments gain courage. Stuff changes. Give us a reason and we rise.

No, COVID 2021 wasn’t political Ebola. The left should and could have recovered by now.

The people do not rise against this government because there is no political call to unify the opposition into common cause. Our politicians of the left are not doing their job.

In 2024 the Green Party is unable to face expelling from Parliament an MP that they have expelled from their Party, rendering them politically impotent for nearly a year. The Maori Party are incapable of joining in with anyone other than an exceptionally narrow band of supporters and grow more divisive by the day. The Labour Party remains led by the person who handed them their worst defeat in a decade. None of them pick up the phone to each other.

Separately, they are picked apart in Parliament and it’s embarrassing to watch. Despite some of the weakest, least experienced and dumbest Ministers we’ve ever had, not a single substantial political blow has landed.

National, New Zealand First, and ACT – both competitors and colleagues – are quite capable of finding common cause and common political tactic and are rising with the public just as their extreme policies take hold. They share roles and media limelight, they compete, and they deliver.

The right can do it but the left can’t.

The left through 2024 have lost the opportunity of unifying into an opposition with different emphases but common cause to bring down this government. Unity is the loaded weapon they have simply left on the table. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick, and Chris Hipkins, have not put out one unified political position since this Parliament started.

New Zealand’s fault lines of disquiet and latent protest are as available to the left as they are to the right. Just as they were in the political earthquake of September 2019. Currently no one on the left is swinging the hammer at any fault line at all.

Give us a reason and we rise.

Until then, it stays really, really bad.

68 comments on “The New Zealand left are in the worst place in a century ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Mike the Lefty 1
    23 September 2024 at 11:35 am

    It's so demoralising to admit you are right on most counts, especially the bit about how a cabinet of cowboys (my expression) has little opposition.

    As Bomber on The Daily Blog often says: The left look for traitors, The right look for recruits.

    But I think old style Democratic Socialism is probably dead now.

    I don't know what the answer is: I just know that we need one urgently.

    • mikesh 1.1
      23 September 2024 at 4:47 pm

      Social Credit I think had the right sort of policies but they never seemed able to get much traction mainly, I think, because their ideas were treading on too many venal toes. I think they are now defunct, so perhaps their enthusiasts should join the Labour Party and spread the "gospel" there.

    • thinker 1.2
      23 September 2024 at 6:20 pm

      Was about to respond with something similar, so I'll add my support to your comments.

      I guess I also agree that old style democratic socialism is no longer appropriate, but I do think we could look to what those old style socialists were trying to achieve.

      I do think (and please don't discredit me for fumbling on my words) that Labour is overwhelmed with what I can't think of a different word than minority issues groups.

      While, say, National has a largely unified goal of putting money before people, so much so that it can even spill over and find common ground with ACT and NZF, Labour is the natural home for a myriad of social causes that come under the umbrella of putting people before money.

      I'm not trying to suggest that any or all of those causes shouldn't make their home inside Labour.

      But I do think Labour has this unfortunate complexity to deal with and there needs to be a single, unifying strategy that is built around the reasons why a Labour Party was seen as necessary, when it first established.

      That might be as simple as showing the 90% of voters that the right doesn't really have their interests at heart and offering an alternative that appeals to 2/3 of that group, which is enough to win.

      IMHO the self-interest approach taken by the right served it well when the well-matched self-interested baby boom generation was in the majority. In those times, the natural government was conservative and Labour occasionally broke through.

      As boomers die off, I see the right's advantage lessening, but there needs to be something more meaningful than a watered down version of what the right are offering.

      • Obtrectator 1.2.1
        23 September 2024 at 11:46 pm

        As boomers die off, I see the right's advantage lessening ….

        I don't. Isn't it a truism that people become more conservative with advancing age?

        …. there needs to be something more meaningful than a watered down version of what the right are offering

        Have to agree with that, though. Right-lite won't have enough appeal to bring even a resurgence of support, let alone an election victory. Just hanging on, not committing themselves to anything, and waiting for the coalition to collapse of its own accord (I don't believe it will), is a recipe for a second loss in '26.

  2. James Simpson 2
    23 September 2024 at 11:58 am

    Depressing but true.

    They share roles and media limelight, they compete, and they deliver.

    People like to call them the coalition of chaos (CoC). But from my observation they are actually working well together. Three parties in cabinet together and they are all more or less singing in harmony.

    Their policies are evil and destructive, but they are delivering them together in an effective way.

    We are currently leaderless, without a common sense of direction.

    The only current positive is the election is 2 years away, so we have time to come up with an alternative to this pain.

    • tc 2.1
      23 September 2024 at 1:39 pm

      The offer of power, money, sinecures once done fronting it motivates and aligns all-sorts.

      The management team dont have to like each other, delivering for the backers is the objective.

  3. Tiger Mountain 3
    23 September 2024 at 12:54 pm

    Nothing like a pundits defeatist column to make your day…politics is much more than the Parliamentary form.

    The people do rise actually–in the Māori world, the Climate Strike world and sections of the Union world–Unite, Etū, First, MUNZ, Dairy Workers Union Te Runanga Wai U, and Teachers. And in various communities we support each other with Pātaka Kai–pantries, Papa Kāinga housing on communal land and other basic support.

    Academics predicted decades ago the ‘atomisation’ of the working class under Reaganism, Thatcherism, Pinochet, the Chicago Boys etc., basically the breakdown of societal collectivism and wide political participation. And so it has come to be. Oppression, exploitation by Finance Capital, degradation and commodity fetishism are no guarantee whatsoever of an organised response.

    With each boomer funeral hope lives really, I am in that stereotypical age group but opposed Rogernomics from day one. The new gens have to step up really, never mind a handful of political functionaries in Wellington. A class left leadership of the NZCTU is urgently required and a reformed, united NZ Communist Party, to be the sharp end of the spear for all activists. Unite all who can be united and get on with it.

    • hetzer 3.1
      23 September 2024 at 5:04 pm

      Well with every boomer funeral a GenX inherits the wealth so goodbye to your hopes I think. Best to buy an expensive EV and stick it to the man…hmm?

    • Darien Fenton 3.2
      24 September 2024 at 10:44 am

      Thank you Tiger. I am not giving up on collectivism however! Loved your comment about Pataka Kai. That is community in action. I am also impressed with the activism of the CTU ; 23 October coming up!

  4. roblogic 4
    23 September 2024 at 3:08 pm

    The tinder is dry. All it will take is a politician stepping over an invisible line.

    Perhaps Seymour's disgusting Treaty Betrayal Bill will be the spark that ignites a protest movement on the scale of the Springbok Tour

    • tc 4.1
      23 September 2024 at 4:09 pm

      Pretty sure thats what they want to shore up the division they used to take power.

      • Obtrectator 4.1.1
        23 September 2024 at 11:50 pm

        Absolutely. However great your frustration, don't take the path of violent action. It'll only result in the reappearance of that old whore Laura Nauder.

    • Adrian 4.2
      24 September 2024 at 10:31 am

      Brilliant first line Robo and so true. The final incident will probably be almost insignificant but it will be the last 1/2 % that is needed and Costley looks the most likely yet it still defies belief that she has not fallen yet. Monthly meetings with the gun lobby yet none at all with the Police FFS.

      • Obtrectator 4.2.1
        24 September 2024 at 2:01 pm

        I take it you meant to refer to Ms Costello? The Nat MP actually named Costley isn't all that bad and seems to work hard in his electorate while only occasionally slagging off the "previous government".

  5. Colin Bell 5
    23 September 2024 at 5:03 pm

    At the very least there should be regular weekly or fortnightly meetings involving the Labour, Greens and Maori parties these meetings need to be used to build a degree of unity amongst the opposition parties. They should not simply be waiting for the coalition government to stumble.

    • tc 5.1
      23 September 2024 at 7:03 pm

      Collaboration is required which takes leadership and compromise.

      How likely is that with captain chris at the helm still ?

      • Grey Area 5.1.1
        23 September 2024 at 9:00 pm

        Not very. Labour under Hipkins doesn't seem to have pulled its head out of its own behind since October 2023.

        We're told engagement is going on at member/branch level along with policy development but actual grass roots fightback?

        Mind you within the left wing party I belong too I don't get much helpful when I ask what is happening to build a cohesive opposition to the worst government led by the worst PM I've seen in seven decades.

    • Darien Fenton 5.2
      24 September 2024 at 10:45 am

      How do you know there aren't? I know for a fact there is collaboration between these parties in Parliament. It starts with the leaders.

  6. Muttonbird 6
    23 September 2024 at 7:23 pm

    I love all these idiots attacking the left instead of the right. Shows where their priorities lie…

    • adam 6.1
      23 September 2024 at 7:59 pm

      I'd argue it's one of the fundamental flaw of liberalism as a political ideology.

      Another example is how the so called centrists on this site, end up defending the far right.

      It is a broken set of ideas. Which plays out like a broken record.

      • Muttonbird 6.1.1
        23 September 2024 at 8:07 pm

        Someone saying they are a centrist is an instant red flag they are a (usually comfortable) right wing nut job. It's some bizarre attempt to convince themselves they are socially conscious.

    • gsays 6.2
      23 September 2024 at 8:14 pm

      How left are they?

      Seeking policy ideas from Starmer's Labour party… good grief.

      “As the New Zealand Labour Party undertakes its policy-making process, this the perfect time to take stock of what is happening internationally and discuss our direction with other policymakers,” Chris Hipkins said.

      https://www.labour.org.nz/news-release_labour_leader_to_travel_to_uk

      Call me old fashioned, but I want something to vote for, not wait for the shitness of the current mob to become untenable. (Which is, let's be honest, how Starmer gained power.)

      • Muttonbird 6.2.1
        23 September 2024 at 8:31 pm

        Starmer chased the Tories out after 14 years of cruel and irresponsible rule. Britain is an extremely conservative country so their version of a Labour Party is going to appear more conservative.

        I think this is a big issue, demanding perfect means you attack your own kin's any and every attempt.

        • Incognito 6.2.1.1
          23 September 2024 at 8:42 pm

          Starmer chased …

          Sorry, but I can’t ignore that one.

        • Grey Area 6.2.1.2
          23 September 2024 at 9:09 pm

          Starmer chased the Tories out? I don't think so. The Tories just ran out of steam, talent, ideas, everything basically. Starmer just had to be a little less shit.

          Hipkins will learn little from a political party that purged anyone with an alternative view and a spine.

          We don't want perfection and it's disingenuous to suggest people who aren't convinced Hipkins and Labour are the answer are seeking that.

          If the timid, neoliberal, centrist Labour are the answer, we're asking the wrong fucking question (channeling Martyn Bradbury).

        • aj 6.2.1.3
          23 September 2024 at 10:16 pm

          Britain is an extremely conservative country so their version of a Labour Party is going to appear more conservative.

          Thus describing exactly why the Overton Window is being shifted more and more to the right in so many countries.

        • gsays 6.2.1.4
          24 September 2024 at 6:31 am

          "…so their version of a Labour Party is going to appear more conservative."

          Ahhh, so Starmer cancelling the UK Winter Energy Payment is only appearing Conservative…

          C'mon, Starmer is running exactly the same lines as Luxon, 'the books were left in a mess, we need to make cuts.' and Hipkins is looking for ideas from that lot.

      • Champaign Socialist 6.2.2
        24 September 2024 at 10:16 am

        The UK Labour party only got 34% of the popular vote in the recent UK election and under FPTP they garnered a stonking majority in parliament. In NZ – which has proportional representation – that 34% would not go far. The Conservatives lost because Reform split the vote on the right, not because Starmers' policy platform attracted any new voters to Labour. Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party got more of the popular vote in 2019 (a terrible loss for Labour) than Starmer in 2024.
        Thank the lord we got rid of FPTP in NZ is all I can say.

      • Adrian 6.2.3
        24 September 2024 at 10:39 am

        I would have thought that the strength of meeting UK Labour would be valuable in not just what one learns to do but more importantly, what not to do. After all Jacinda learnt and refined her political skills from working for them.

    • James Simpson 6.3
      24 September 2024 at 11:25 am

      We can't change the right. They are what they are and will always be that. You can attack them as much as you like, but they don't really care what we have to say,

      We can however influence our side, and demand better from our leaders.

  7. Kat 7
    23 September 2024 at 10:09 pm

    "some of the weakest, least experienced and dumbest Ministers we’ve ever had, not a single substantial political blow has landed…………"

    Oh the fickle votes that change govts………who was it that said we get the govt we deserve…….there is always hope though….Jacinda Ardern was hope……the 'voters' crushed that……..the big question is will that portion of the electorate that changes govts in our political system ever grow up…………

  8. weka 8
    23 September 2024 at 11:36 pm

    reading this post it's hard not to think James Shaw should have gone on to be PM. Can we even imagine a NZ where that might be politically possible?

    I will also note Ad, that while there is a lot to agree with in this post, you have often taken potshots as the people you are wanting to work together. Genuinely curious how you see that working.

    • Belladonna 8.1
      24 September 2024 at 10:26 am

      It would seem to require that NZ political parties would be open to the PM being the leader of a smaller party in the governing coalition. I can't really see that flying with either the parties, or, to be fair, with the people of NZ.

      Nor do I see how someone could lead a government with an agenda they disagree with (being PM doesn't magically give you greater numbers in Cabinet or in the House). And Shaw had sufficient difficulty with the left-wing of the GP, who were unhappy with necessary compromises in his climate change portfolio.

      The other alternative is that the Greens gained a larger percentage of the vote than Labour. Which was certainly not within the realms of possibility in the Ardern years. Although it might have been possible if Little had continued as leader. It might be possible now (if the GP can get their MPs to stop putting their dirty laundry into the public arena) – but Shaw is long gone.

      • weka 8.1.1
        24 September 2024 at 10:29 am

        that's a great example of what I meant about us not being able to imagine it. He is actually what we need in terms of climate change and the polycrisis and NZ being relatively ok. But we can't imagine how that could happen, in the same way that we can't imagine a unified left, or Labour sorting it's shit out and so on. We really are stuck at this point.

        • weka 8.1.1.1
          24 September 2024 at 10:30 am

          lefties would rather sit around and throw grenades at the right. Shining a light on the problems with the current government is necessary, but it's not sufficient to get us out of this mess. In addition to problems with imagination, I think we also have problems with strategy.

          • gsays 8.1.1.1.1
            24 September 2024 at 12:39 pm

            I don't know it as a fact, but Bomber had eluded to it a few times when talking about polling- the left loosing male votes.

            I am keen to hear how that reconnection can be made.

            I'm certainly not representative of the group but currently there is a lack of leadership. Hipkins appears to want to know what you think before he says what he thinks.

            The Greens, during the Tana Saga were too deferential to everybody's opinion rather than acting decisively and sacking them/her. I know the process is part of the kaupapa but equally you have leaders to lead. They are missing Shaw.

            TMP are doing ok, but ideally their focus could broaden to other views, education, health, foreign policy etc.

            • weka 8.1.1.1.1.1
              24 September 2024 at 1:11 pm

              also, whether it's an issue of votes or not, the left needs to engage with men in ways that don't create deeper division. I'm saying that as woman looking at what is happening in other places as well as NZ and it scares me.

              I doubt that Shaw would have overriden the membership or party position on Tana either. My concerns are more with messaging and yet again the Greens not using the opportunity to demonstrate democracy. I'm also not that happy with the touchy feely stuff being so public, and I think it was a mistake for Swarbrick to personalise the conflict. I prefer Shaw's restrained style, you knew when he was really angry, but rarely and then it was expressed and done with.

              • gsays …
                24 September 2024 at 7:26 pm

                "also, whether it's an issue of votes or not, the left needs to engage with men in ways that don't create deeper division."

                I've been mulling that this arvo and a wee thing I haven't been able to let go kind of illustrates what I think you are saying.

                A few weeks back RNZ, Mulligan, Chapman and a young male producer were doing the once over lightly pre Panel korero. A question that had been doing the rounds on X?/Insta?/FB? was along the lines of: "you are in the forest, would you rather be with a bear or a man?"

                All 3 opined the bear. Not one could mention a positive masculine trait (protector, resourceful, provide food/fire/shelter). Not a big deal I know but this seems to be the Zeitgiest.

                Edit, Also, I missed the Swarbrick/Tana announcement, I think Belladonna has it right.

            • weka 8.1.1.1.1.2
              24 September 2024 at 1:16 pm

              just seen there's been a presser today from the Greens re Tana. Is it worth watching?

            • Ngungukai 8.1.1.1.1.3
              24 September 2024 at 9:49 pm

              Agree 100% last comment on TMP.

          • Incognito 8.1.1.1.2
            24 September 2024 at 2:56 pm

            yes

        • Belladonna 8.1.1.2
          24 September 2024 at 11:22 am

          He is actually what we need in terms of climate change and the polycrisis and NZ being relatively ok.

          The problem with this is that Shaw and/or the GP haven't been able to convince a majority of voting Kiwis (or even a very significant minority – given that we don't have typically have majority governments anymore) – that this is the case.

          I'd argue that even the GP membership don't agree (many regard him as too moderate – and support alternatives). My take on Shaw's resignation was that he was equally tired of fighting inside and outside the party.

          • weka 8.1.1.2.1
            24 September 2024 at 11:52 am

            yes, it is painfully obvious that the NZ public are largely clueless and/or in cognitive dissonance/denial about the polycrisis.

      • newsense 8.1.2
        25 September 2024 at 6:53 pm

        Sure, it’s an issue that needs moral spine. But plenty of countries seem to have one.

        But don’t worry: remember all the National party ministers at Mandela’s funeral and John Banks riding in a horse drawn carriage to open Britomart.

        When you go through issue by issue there’s plenty of agreement.

        Discounts and incentives to modernise the car fleet so it pollutes less? Yep. Public transport? Yep. Making groups in society pay their fair way so the burden doesn’t fall on individuals heavily? Yep.

        You’ve got to remember that the bullshit, I don’t need to do homework I’m in the first 15 attitude of farmers or their loudest representatives is not universal. There is no evidence to support the idea that they’ve won any kind of crown for sustainability, which is a line trotted out.

        And now it seems what the minister proposes is simply defaulting on our obligations. We’ve already canceled on South Korea, by text. Which friends will we have left? We’re not owed allies and the anglosphere is not likely to grow in prestige and influence or even consider us as a crucial member.

  9. Darien Fenton 9
    24 September 2024 at 10:36 am

    Didn't think it would be long before someone used the UK Labour Party Conference and dear old Jezza. Sure, I don't like the winter fuel payment being removed and there are protestors about Gaza outside. But I am a huge fan of Angela Rayner : working class, single mum at a young age, care worker, active trade unionist and now Deputy PM. Also, follow Labour List blog if you can. You get a much better perspective of the depth of conference discussions rather than one or two headlines.

  10. Corey 10
    25 September 2024 at 2:04 pm

    Indeed. The left couldn't organize a piss up in a brewery in 2024 despite the government being relatively unpopular and the prime minister being rather incompetent as a leader.

    I wouldn't even know what the left stand for in NZ, other than being super pro LGBT+ and pro Maori, Labour seems to simply want to manage the neoliberal economy the same as National but with with a smile and a hug.

    There's no universal economic policies or Keynesian housing policies there's just good vibes.

    We have one of the worst housing crisis's in the world, in government Labours solution wasnt dissimilar to Nationals under Key (deny the problem, spin the problem, pretend consents are the same as built houses and when in doubt go beg the developers)

    There's no vision. There's no plan there's just a desire to be in office.

    The Greens are a shambles, the fact they had to go to court to throw out a migrant worker abuser is laughable and why they can never be in cabinet, because the mp's can't make decisions, and if a green cabinet minister made a decision the party didn't like, the grassroots would roll the green cabinet minister. Insanity.

    Doubling down on identity issues that everyone hates the left over is just making the left irrelevant.

    The left has nothing to offer apart from managing the right wing economy with a smile and rainbows and love hearts.

    The left needs to be bold and offer bold populist solutions to the problems of today, not just polishing the zombie third way model like ardern did

    Noone believes the left will change anything apart from lecturing us like shrill librarians.

    If the left are in the worst state they have been in in a century, labour is the decaying dying liberal party.

    • SPC 10.1
      26 September 2024 at 3:16 am

      How many places do you go to practice the art of being the malcontent? It is a strange thing to witness, the precocious development of a curmudgeon.

      https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/curmudgeon

      (of behaviour or ability) having developed at an earlier age than is usual or expected.
"a precocious talent for computing"
(of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual.
  11. newsense 11
    25 September 2024 at 6:41 pm

    Click bait headline much?

    Equally- pundits on the left wing site The Standard have been unable to agree on a single thing or release a single unified post. Doooooooooom!

    Labour are working on bringing themselves in line on tax policy. Maoridom has been very successful at uniting and opposing to the degree that they have made themselves, not the government look like the mainstream. The Greens have had a few issues, but have the legacy of their successful work in the last government to point to.

    And did you really write worst defeat in a decade? That’s not hugely statically significant in terms of NZ elections.

    There’s plenty to do sure. But your headline is garbage. Left wing parties need a united front. Alternative government needs to lay out core policies. Pushback against government needs unity in the media. All possible summaries.

  12. Michael who failed Civics 12
    25 September 2024 at 6:43 pm

    Sad reading above but all too true. IIRC, Chris Trotter once wrote that the dividing line in NZ politics ran through the Labour Party, not between it and National. In 2024, FWICS, about 75% of the Labour caucus are on the Right side of the line, with the fulcrum dragged even further to the right by ACT than ever before. I have no idea where the Labour Party grassroots is located – or even if there is such a thing in a top-down hierarchy largely populated by PSA officials. FWIW, I'd like to see a genuine social democratic party replace Labour, or even for Labour to evolve into one, but I cannot see how that can ever be achieved. I think we're in for a long run of Far Right government, with parties of the nominal Left crying crocodile tears and wringing hands ineffectually. Still, the pay is good as an opposition MP.

  13. DS 13
    26 September 2024 at 1:01 am

    New Zealand has the most right wing government it’s had since Governor George Grey determined to eradicate all Maori power by systematic war and then systematic legislative theft in 1863.

    Not remotely true. This bunch are cruel, stupid, and petty, but they are hardly more right-wing than a number of others. They haven't violated the Helen Clark/John Key modifications to the neoliberal consensus – as such, on economics, I'd rather have them than the Richardson regime of the early 1990s. You know, the Employment Contracts Act, CHEs, the Mother of All Budgets, and so on. That is what a really right-wing government looks like. Hell, this bunch are only talking about selling Kiwibank. They haven't re-started the criminal looting of the Fourth Labour Government.

    Nor are they remotely as socially conservative as Muldoon. Chris Luxon doesn't have people arrested for homosexuality. Unlike Sid Holland, Luxon won't have police invade your house for producing pro-union material, and there's no indication of restoring the death penalty. Unlike Bill Massey, none of them regard Labour as Bolsheviks, nor do they regard Catholics as an existential threat to the nation.

    A bit of perspective would be nice.

    • SPC 13.1
      26 September 2024 at 2:47 am

      Lancashire Hotpot and the Yorkshire black pudding.

      Until 1879, one had to own land (and be male) to vote.

      Land ownership policy

      Crown title

      When Governor George Grey restored Crown pre-emption, he investigated these purchases. In the resulting case the Supreme Court ruled that the Crown had legal title to all land in New Zealand. Customary use was not enough to establish ownership; instead, Māori would need a Crown title.

      The court also viewed all land not cultivated by Māori as ‘waste land’ that belonged to the Crown. Grey did not enforce this ruling, but it influenced attitudes. He encouraged mass purchase of Māori land, and Māori were advised to gain Crown title.

      And it goes on.

      https://teara.govt.nz/en/land-ownership/print

      Home ownership

      The current rate at 60% is now lower than in 1950 and also in 1926.

      It went from 53% in 1916 to 61.2% in 1926. And then down to 50.5% in 1936 (depression). Back to (via 56.8% in 1945) 61.5% in 1951.

      It is forecast to be under 50% by 2050. Levels of the 19th C, when a lot of the people were migrants.

      https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/homeownership-rate-lowest-in-almost-70-years/

      Unemployment is now a tool of economic policy, to manage inflation – not so 1945-1984.

      Benefits

      1920's. A woman without a husband or father and unemployed could be designated indigent and imprisoned (food and board, not allowed a social life). Middle class women did not complain, till the Depression. Women sought jobs looking after children of widowers. Otherwise only a widows pension (and means tested money for care of children under 15).

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_in_New_Zealand

      The Foreshore and Seabed

      1.court determined customary rights.

      2.public domain.

      3.5% customary fishing rights and no public domain.

      The OIO

      How much of the 95% of coastal land is now available for sale to foreigners?

      https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/01/26/plans-to-scale-back-ministers-powers-over-foreign-investment/

      Workers/Unions

      Working a 9-5 40 hour job, or required to do shifts and OT at standard pay rates?

      • DS 13.1.2
        26 September 2024 at 4:57 pm

        I have no idea what your point is.

        • SPC 13.1.2.1
          26 September 2024 at 6:44 pm

          Meh, then maybe do not use the word perspective then.

          • DS 13.1.2.1.1
            26 September 2024 at 10:46 pm

            I used the word "perspective" because I was replying to the dubious assertion that the present government is somehow the most right-wing in 160 years. I presented multiple reasons for this not being the case.

            I still have no idea what your point is here.

            • SPC 13.1.2.1.1.1
              26 September 2024 at 10:50 pm

              You are wrong.

              Housing ownership is going down to levels not seen since the 19thC.

              Workers are required to work shifts and weekends without OT pay (to get the jobs) and the casualisation of employment and calling employees contractors etc.

              The current right wing cause as per Maori etc.

              The decline of access to primary health care to a point that is not common in the first world.

              • DS …
                27 September 2024 at 12:56 am

                Very little of that is the fault of the present government. Every New Zealand government since 1984 is culpable for the depraved economic conditions swathes of this country now lives in. Some more so than others.

                This government is substantially less culpable than those of 1984-1993. Ruth Richardson was substantially worse than anything Luxon and Seymour have inflicted, and the fact that we aren't facing the same sort of crisis as the UK is largely because Helen Clark and Michael Cullen spent nine years trying to make neoliberalism less cruel.

                • SPC …
                  27 September 2024 at 2:55 am

                  But only one party has tried to mitigate the consequences of the market reforms supported by the 1984-1999 governments.

                  This makes the National Party of 1990-2026 era, the most right wing in our history. And it is intent on deliberate class division between those with property, health insurance and private schooling (and tertiary overseas) and the precariat. This and no CGT or estate/inheritance nor gift duty (Key 2013) taxation is all encouraged by ACT.

                  National of 1949-84 accepted the welfare state and Keynesian economics.