The Opportunities Party has a new leader, Wellington Economist Geoff Simmons.
Geoff has been intimately involved in developing TOP’s policies over the past ten years as part of the Morgan Foundation and was Deputy Leader in the 2017 campaign.
His aim as the leader of TOP is to take the party into Parliament at the next election where it can advocate and implement progressive reform in areas including fair taxation, cannabis legalisation, affordable housing, and environmental protection.
“Since Gareth called for proposals to take TOP forward, we have been deluged with pleas to keep it going,” says Geoff Simmons. “There is a strong feeling amongst membership that TOP hasn’t fulfilled its potential yet, so a few candidates have come together to keep the momentum going.”
“We will be operating from the same core values we always have – using an evidence-based approach to give hope to the next generation of New Zealanders, by building a thriving, fair economy which doesn’t stuff up our environment.
The new TOP board will comprise Geoff Simmons, as well as two other 2017 TOP candidates: Olly Wilson and Paddy Plunket.
While Gareth Morgan is stepping outside of the political arena he will retain a link with the party as Chair of the Policy Committee. “Policy has always been my main interest,” says Dr Morgan. “TOP will continue to be unique – presenting to Parliament coherent, evidence-informed policy developed by experts. That is a major differentiation between TOP and the Establishment parties. The place for the horse-trading and compromise which too often renders policy inadequate, is Parliament in full view of the voting public, not in the back rooms of political parties.”
TOP’s first task is to raise money to contest the 2020 election.
“We have a large and passionate membership already.” says Simmons, “The big challenge now is to raise funds to grow the movement further. Anyone interested in genuine change for good in New Zealand is welcome to contact us and see how they could help.”