Great result. The only hope for Labour to retain it's base now is for them to effectively BECOME the Greens by adopting Green policies - like they've been doing with low income tax relief, CGT, gender pay equality etc.
I wrote this under one of Chris Trotter's posts, we're on our way.... Being the only Party with a comprehensive economic strategy that could be clearly articulated to the voting public the Greens found themselves with over 20% of the party vote. With Labour only gaining 30 seats, the Greens 24 seats made the resulting coalition more of a partnership of equals. For the first time in New Zealand's history the Deputy Prime Minister's position was jointly held by the Co-leaders of another Party. Due to the growing support, internationally, for the stable and increasingly relevant Green policies there was only a slight downturn in international economic confidence.
The first year was a tumultuous one, however, as the Green policies of listing lobbyists on a public register changed the political effectiveness of many who had previously enjoyed secret access to the government. The capital gains tax was also heavily fought as was the large investment in dealing with tax avoidance from banks and large corporates. However there was huge public support when Government revenues increased dramatically and the need for borrowing was almost negated. The shift in much of the funding from motorways to public transport created positive spin offs around the country and dependency on oil dropped considerably. The new jobs created through many green initiatives brought the heart back to local communities and Dunedin's Hillside workshops received international recognition for innovation in rolling stock design.
Markets prices for New Zealand's agricultural products increased dramatically as New Zealand's sustainable farming practices became wider known. Despite production dropping to more sustainable levels the increase in demand for NZ produce meant higher prices and profits actually increased. Green agricultural technology began to challenge tourism as an export earner.
With the minimum wage increasing dramatically (and wages in general) the domestic economy boomed and unemployment was reduced to almost 3%. Christchurch was named a top tourist destination as its innovative rebuild became a model for sustainable and environmental design and its many parks re-established it as New Zealand's "Garden City"......
DJC - and we'll find that a seeking-to-be-centrist National will do the same. However, pulling on a green coat does not make a political party Green. I think the Greens appeal is widening steadily and, much to the chagrin of the dismissive right wingers, Russel Norman is playing a significant part in that. Labour's lack of substance to date has created a perfect platform for him to paint the Green future/paint the future Green and New Zealanders are liking his work.
Nice report from the near-future there bsprout! It will be fascinating to experience New Zealand with ethical leadership of the sort the Greens bring. Integrity at the top level will lift the whole country's self-esteem and confidence and with that our productivity and social health. And that's not even mentioning the environment. That will undergo the transformation New Zealanders feel in their souls must happen. Clean rivers anyone? Yes please.
6 comments:
Russel and Metiria for co-leaders of the Opposition? You couldn't rule it out. But National 55% and governing alone; bring it on!
You like the idea of one party with unbridled power Inventory2?
Guess you're a First Past the Post man too. Most authoritarians are.
Great result. The only hope for Labour to retain it's base now is for them to effectively BECOME the Greens by adopting Green policies - like they've been doing with low income tax relief, CGT, gender pay equality etc.
I wrote this under one of Chris Trotter's posts, we're on our way....
Being the only Party with a comprehensive economic strategy that could be clearly articulated to the voting public the Greens found themselves with over 20% of the party vote. With Labour only gaining 30 seats, the Greens 24 seats made the resulting coalition more of a partnership of equals. For the first time in New Zealand's history the Deputy Prime Minister's position was jointly held by the Co-leaders of another Party. Due to the growing support, internationally, for the stable and increasingly relevant Green policies there was only a slight downturn in international economic confidence.
The first year was a tumultuous one, however, as the Green policies of listing lobbyists on a public register changed the political effectiveness of many who had previously enjoyed secret access to the government. The capital gains tax was also heavily fought as was the large investment in dealing with tax avoidance from banks and large corporates. However there was huge public support when Government revenues increased dramatically and the need for borrowing was almost negated. The shift in much of the funding from motorways to public transport created positive spin offs around the country and dependency on oil dropped considerably. The new jobs created through many green initiatives brought the heart back to local communities and Dunedin's Hillside workshops received international recognition for innovation in rolling stock design.
Markets prices for New Zealand's agricultural products increased dramatically as New Zealand's sustainable farming practices became wider known. Despite production dropping to more sustainable levels the increase in demand for NZ produce meant higher prices and profits actually increased. Green agricultural technology began to challenge tourism as an export earner.
With the minimum wage increasing dramatically (and wages in general) the domestic economy boomed and unemployment was reduced to almost 3%. Christchurch was named a top tourist destination as its innovative rebuild became a model for sustainable and environmental design and its many parks re-established it as New Zealand's "Garden City"......
DJC - and we'll find that a seeking-to-be-centrist National will do the same. However, pulling on a green coat does not make a political party Green. I think the Greens appeal is widening steadily and, much to the chagrin of the dismissive right wingers, Russel Norman is playing a significant part in that. Labour's lack of substance to date has created a perfect platform for him to paint the Green future/paint the future Green and New Zealanders are liking his work.
Nice report from the near-future there bsprout! It will be fascinating to experience New Zealand with ethical leadership of the sort the Greens bring. Integrity at the top level will lift the whole country's self-esteem and confidence and with that our productivity and social health.
And that's not even mentioning the environment. That will undergo the transformation New Zealanders feel in their souls must happen. Clean rivers anyone? Yes please.
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