The tail wagging the dog is a risk in any coalition arrangement. But with two tails wagging vigorously, the National-led government is testing the limits of consensus and policy coherence.
L’expertise universitaire, l’exigence journalistique
Articles sur David Seymour
Ensemble des articles
With ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill imminent, how much do we know about the current principles? And were they ever a proper reflection of the text and intent of te Tiriti?
With debate raging around the Treaty Principles Bill. It’s important to recognise a dispute between Māori and the Crown is not the same as a breakdown in relations between Māori and Pākehā in general.
David Seymour’s expectation that drug-buying policy be based on need rather than ethnicity misses the point: the Treaty of Waitangi is already about equality, and can help guide good decisions.
The government is reducing the scope and scale of the free school lunch programme. But evidence suggests expanding it would be good for children, communities and local businesses.
Modern interpretations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi cause sometimes bitter political debate. But new research shows New Zealanders – especially younger ones – see the Treaty largely as a positive symbol.
Poor personal and party polling early in the government’s term puts the spotlight on Christopher Luxon’s leadership. He has the power bases, but can he mobilise them effectively – and in time?
The coalition has made good on pledges to repeal, reduce or reverse the previous government’s policies. But the real test will be paying for its own policies and staying stable in the process.
ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill assumes Māori have been granted special privileges. But it can equally be argued the Treaty prevents the undemocratic concentration of power in the hands of a few.
The ACT Party’s Regulatory Standards Bill will likely meet the same opposition it has in the past. And it will be a test of the new government’s commitment to genuine regulatory standards.
History suggests the new NZ government’s pledge to cut budgets and jobs in the public sector will cost more in the long run – and damage morale in the process.
The country’s first formal three-party coalition will test Christopher Luxon’s promise of ‘strong and stable’ government – and the minor parties’ patience if things don’t go their way.
Critics say only links to real or threatened violence should justify the proposed criminalisation of hate speech. But New Zealand law already regulates all kinds of non-violent speech.
The detailed work of making the End of Life Choice Act work in practice now begins, including the decision about how assisted dying will be funded.
Climbing in the polls and less inclined to be National’s political lapdog, is the ACT Party more or less than the sum of its parts?
Les contributeurs les plus fréquents
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Professor of Politics, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
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Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University
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Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
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Professor of Marketing and Sustainability, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
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Professor of Public Administration, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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PhD Candidate in Human Geography, Lincoln University, New Zealand
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Professor of Law, University of Otago
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Research Officer, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
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Lecturer, University of Otago
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Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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Professor of Public Administration, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
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Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato
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Associate Professor of Politics, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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Associate Professor in Public Management and Policy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
