 |
Previous Leader's Messages
BACK ON TRACK
Autumn has brought with it the winds of change. Change that New Zealand First welcomes. The government has announced several changes that New Zealand First is proud to have played an active role in producing, New Zealand will benefit greatly, yet there is further to go.
WHOSE INTERESTS ARE ON THE RADAR?
It is refreshing to finally see that one of the two old parties has woken up to the folly of strategic asset sales. So, moves that will strengthen the retention of strategic assets in New Zealand control are very welcome and lessen the alarming prospect of a foreign investment company gaining large chunks of Auckland’s airport, and also of any future predatory interest in the ports of Auckland and Tauranga.
DEMOCRACY IS NOT FOR SALE!
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” This statement made by Abraham Lincoln during his Gettysburg address is still relevant. In case someone has forgotten, democracy is about the fair election of representatives to form a government to do the will of the people, without fear or favour.
NO, AND WE MEAN NO!
New Zealanders should be very afraid of the proposed partial sell-off of the giant Fonterra Dairy Cooperative and renewed Canadian attempts to buy into Auckland International Airport.
WHAT TYPE OF NATION DO WE WANT?
New Zealand First had a very successful Convention on the 27th and 28th of October which demonstrated the Party’s many strengths – its people, its policies and its principles.
WHY NEW ZEALAND FIRST STILL WORRIES ABOUT IMMIGRATION
In early June the Government announced changes to immigration requirements and a further review of policy.
New Zealand First supports the fine-tuning of the Skilled Migrant Category and the focus on skills and genuine gaps in the labour market, but as the only party that has consistently stood for a firm immigration policy we still have serious concerns.
A Tale of Two Economies
It was eminent US economist John Kenneth Galbraith who said: "in economics, the majority is always wrong". While it is a stretch to claim that his statement is always right, it has certainly been the case until very recently in relation to compulsory savings.
The Next Wave
As the cover article for a recent Economist magazine reported globalisation is a phenomenon that creates winners and losers. The trouble is that governments of all persuasions are reluctant to admit to that duality – preferring to accentuate the positive and downplay the pitfalls.
JOHN KEY DISCOVERS THE UNDERCLASS
"John Key discovers the 'underclass'". This was the startling revelation to National party faithful in John Key’s so called State of the Nation speech in late January. It may come as a surprise to John Key and the National Party but the existence of a so-called “underclass” is hardly news to those who live in the real world.
CELEBRATING THE TREATY
While New Zealand is made up of many peoples with different customs, languages, religions and cultures we are one country, we are all New Zealanders first. Sadly, however, we lack tangible touchstones – significant events we can point to which unite and bind us as a nation like Bastille Day in France or the 4th of July in the United States.
DEBATE ON FUTURE'S ENERGY WELCOMED
The recent launch of the government’s draft energy strategy provides a welcome opportunity for the debate on New Zealand's future energy system. Increasing demand for energy and transport fuel is forcing New Zealanders to think about how we can be more energy efficient. Our contribution to worldwide climate change has also come under increasing scrutiny.
HARD WORK BRINGS REWARDS
As 2006 comes to an end it's time for many of us to reflect on what the year has brought. For New Zealand First, there have been a number of policy gains and successes – on issues that are very dear to our hearts. We promised to use our critical position responsibly for the benefit of all New Zealanders to deliver what we said we would. This year we have had great success in seeing our policies implemented, ultimately resulting in real changes which make a significant difference to people's lives.
LAUNCHING EXPORT YEAR 2007
Thursday 30 November saw the launch of Export Year 2007 – a key part of the Confidence and Supply agreement negotiated between Labour and New Zealand First. The launch in Auckland coincided with the announcement of a $33.75 million boost to the Market Development Assistance Scheme which supports New Zealand exporters breaking into offshore markets.
DELIVERING A SUPERGOLD FUTURE
Saturday 11 November saw the launch of the much-anticipated Supergold Card - a dedicated seniors card which will deliver real and meaningful benefits for our seniors.
MUCH NEEDED RATES INQUIRY FINALLY A REALITY
Thanks to the sensible stance by New Zealand First, the issue of local body rating will be examined by an independent Inquiry.
TIME TO REMOVE UNDEFINED "TREATY PRINCIPLES" FROM LAW
New Zealand First’s Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill was recently voted to Select Committee for consideration, and seeks to remove references to the ‘principles’ of the Treaty of Waitangi from legislation.
NEW ZEALAND FIRST INQUIRY INTO LOCAL BODY CHARGES
New Zealand First is calling for an independent commission of inquiry into local body charges.
TIME TO REMOVE NON-DEFINED "TREATY PRINCIPLES" FROM LAW
New Zealand First’s Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill was recently voted to Select Committee for examination, and seeks to remove references to the ‘principles’ of the Treaty of Waitangi from legislation.
Irony In Immigration Changes
One of the pleasing aspects of our supply and confidence agreement with the government was the capacity to make real changes to our immigration laws and procedures. No other party had displayed the courage and political fortitude to champion change in this area like New Zealand First.
Christmas/New Year 2005/06
2005 has been an eventful year and New Zealand First, more than any other party, has had a range of highs and lows.
TRUE TO OUR WORD
On behalf of the New Zealand First Party I would like to thank all for their support over the past few weeks.
GEMINI POLITICS HARMING NEW ZEALAND
This election should be about visionary leadership and policies and principles - and not about the pursuit of power and the baubles of office.
WHY THE 'PRINCIPLES OF THE TREATY' MUST GO
New Zealand is now on the brink of a unique opportunity to correct the historical anomaly which has plagued this nation for nearly two decades over the so-called “principles” of the Treaty of Waitangi. It is also a chance to derail the insidious gravy train which has grown up around it.
ONLY IN NEW ZEALAND – THE ZAOUI CASE!
Only in New Zealand could an illegal immigrant, with Islamic fundamentalist connections, who cheated his way into the country on a false passport be transformed in the space of two years to a candidate for sainthood!
FINGERPRINTS ON THE TREATY AND FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
The current debate over Treaty issues and the foreshore and seabed is really about our nationhood and our future. New Zealand First does not want past mistakes to create the curse of a divided nation for future generations.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT
The management of our resources is fundamental to our sustainability as a modern industrial nation, and also to the preservation of the things that make us unique. A careful balancing act is required.
THIS LAND IS OUR LAND
The New Zealand economy is supposed to be booming and interest rates are going up to counter the inflationary effects of this economic upsurge.
Who is benefiting from this boom?
LOOKING FOR A BETTER AND SAFER FUTURE
It is clear that New Zealand First will have a pivotal role in forming the next government in 2005 because we provide an insurance policy against the return of unbridled power to New Zealand politics.
FIXING IT FOR ALL NEW ZEALANDERS
The Court of Appeal decision in June 2003 thrust the seabed and foreshore issue on to the national stage. This created confusion and needed fixing. When the Government approached us this year, New Zealand First chose to work constructively towards a final solution for all New Zealanders.
FINGERPRINTS ON THE TREATY AND FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
The current debate over Treaty issues and the foreshore and seabed is really about our nationhood and our future. New Zealand First does not want past mistakes to create the curse of a divided nation for future generations.
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI
The current Treaty debate highlights the hypocrisy of both Labour and National who are equally guilty of creating the situation that worries New Zealanders.
POLICE / TRAFFIC REVIEW
New Zealand First has set up a special caucus committee to review the Police/Traffic merger implemented by the National Government in 1992.
DIRECT DEMOCRACY - Our Coalition with the People
Those who have the most to lose from political and democratic reform continue to occupy the positions of power. The introduction of a new electoral system (MMP) has not created any real institutional and attitudinal change.
DEMOCRACY DYING IN NEW ZEALAND
The Government kept its anti-democratic constitutional change programme on track by passing the legislation for the new Supreme Court with the help of the Greens. Labour and its allies on this major constitutional move mustered less than 50 percent of the popular vote at the last election yet claimed a mandate to make this major change.
FORESHORE AND SEABED POLICY
New Zealand First policy is that the Crown should have legal title to the foreshore and seabed and will legislate for this after the 2005 election.
DAY OF RECKONING
The day of reckoning has arrived for the Government.
Its stupid policies are affecting people throughout New Zealand and especially in Auckland at present.
THE STRATEGY OF DUPLICITY
The characteristic that typifies this Government’s deliberate deceptiveness and double-dealing is what George Orwell called “Double Speak”.
Foreshores and Sea Beds
Policies of madness followed by Labour and National Governments over two decades has led to a constitutional crisis over who owns our foreshores and the sea bed.
NZ FIRST TO THICKEN THIN BLUE LINE
New Zealand First has announced a policy of doubling police numbers to mount a full scale war against soaring crime levels.
BUDGET SPEECH RT HON WINSTON PETERS
“This House also records that it has no confidence in this Government’s ability to govern as it only ACTS the part, and even then only in a shallow and hammish way.”
WHAT'S THE WORLD COMING TO?
Ordinary New Zealanders must be bewildered about the increase in the excise tax on liquor.
STOP THE REVOLUTION NOW PLEADS PETERS
Rt Hon Winston Peters has warned that a “cultural and constitutional revolution” is underway with events of huge importance “taking place under our noses”.
"The Mission Is Not Impossible"
New Zealand First has welcomed the start of the new Parliamentary year and the challenges that lie ahead in 2003.
|
 |
