Poverty and inequality are topics our two main political parties would prefer not to talk about. It was their political decisions in the 1980s and 1990s which led directly and predictably to poverty for beneficiaries and low-income families and their political decisions which have maintained and entrenched it since.
Even in 2017 neither party are offering any policies which will make a significant difference for those suffering hardship and deprivation. Labour’s housing policy for example would build a derisory 1000 new state houses each year at a time when we have 41,000 homeless.
It’s also important to remember that after nine years in power from 1999 to 2008, through the “best” of economic times, Helen Clark’s Labour government left 175,000 children living in poverty.
The simple reality is that the leadership of the Labour and National Parties have an informal consensus that poverty and inequality are acceptable and no significant economic policy shifts will be made to deal with them directly.
As co-leader of the Greens Metiria Turei released a policy which, if implemented, would have smashed the consensus. Events of the past two weeks – the Labour leader throwing her under the Labour Party bus (no ministerial post for her under a Labour-led government) and the media hounding her out of the co-leadership of the Greens – mean that issues of poverty and inequality will be pushed to the back burner through the election campaign unless Metiria’s voice is amplified and the issues she has raised are debated.
The Christchurch Progressive Network has organised a public meeting to hear from Metiria Turei about what needs to be done.
It’s on Thursday 31st August, 7pm at the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch.
Please help publicise it to family or friends in Canterbury.
I’ll be there – we need to get the cathedral full.
In NZ (and most of the western world) the standard of living has been falling since the 1970s.
One of the many roles of politicians is to lie to the populace about this, and pretend we are headed for a ‘better, brighter future’.
Telling people what they want to hear is a good way to get votes.
I’ll be there. Spread the righteous word!
Metiria must not be left alone on this one.
This is the time and that’s the place.
Poetic in its perfection.
Great introduce yourself this time to the main man.
Already set the date in the calendar.
I want a seat but i hope it is packed so i will be happy to stand.
I am with Metiria.
I wish I could attend… but Plan B is to publicise it by sharing the meme .
Ours is the true fight. There’s a very limited battle.
I sure as hell will be there and voting green.
Gee i wonder how brave the rat pack will be by turning up and covering this event.
They are just hypocritical enough to want an interview….. i hope Metiria kicks the hell out of them.
Good luck with the meeting John and all the organisers.
Wish she could come to the Wairarapa – poor are terrorised here
Get on to the rep in your area for the Greens, they should organise something there.
We can’t attend, but we’re with you in spirit!
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