Political parties in New Zealand

New Zealand has a strong party system in place. Usually, all members of parliament belong to a political party, although there is presently one MP who became an independent after being expelled from her party. Independent MPs are relatively rare. Unlike some democracies, New Zealand does not have an entrenched two-party arrangement - while there are indeed two primary parties, smaller groups can reasonably expect to play a role in government. There are presently seven parties in parliament.

History

Political parties in New Zealand evolved at the end of the 19th century. Most historians regard the Liberal Party, which began its rule in 1891, as the first real party in New Zealand politics. During the long period of Liberal Party control, the party's more conservative opponents created the Reform Party, forming the original duopoly in the New Zealand parliament.

Gradually, Liberal and Reform found themselves working together more often, mostly in opposition to the growing Labour Party. After Labour eventually won office in 1935, the Liberals and Reform came together to form the National Party. Labour and National currently exist as the two main parties of New Zealand politics.

Over the years, a number of "third parties" developed - Social Credit Party, the New Zealand Party, the Values Party, and the Alliance being the most notable. However, the electoral system meant that no matter how popular a party was nationally, it could not win seats without a majority in a particular voting district. As such, these parties performed poorly.

With the introduction of the MMP electoral system at the 1996 elections, however, it became much easier for smaller parties to enter parliament. Since the change to MMP, there have always been significant numbers of MPs representing parties other than Labour and National.

Registration of Parties

Political parties in New Zealand can be either registered or unregistered. To be registered, parties must have five hundred paying members who are eligible to vote in general elections. If a party is registered, it may submit a party list, enabling it to receive party votes in New Zealand's MMP electoral system. Unregistered parties may still nominate candidates for individual electorates, however.

Parties Currently in Parliament

The order in which parties are listed corresponds to the number of MPs they currently have.

Party Leader Description Seats

Labour Party Helen Clark A centre-left, socially progressive party. It is currently the largest party in parliament, and is the dominant party in the governing coalition. Its leader serves as the current Prime Minister. 52

National Party Don Brash A centre-right, mildly conservative party. It is the second largest party in parliament, and has traditionally Labour's main opponent, but suffered a considerable defeat in the most recent elections. 27

New Zealand First Winston Peters A centrist, populist, and (arguably) nationalist party, presently focused on opposing immigration, campaigning for harsher sentences for crime, and reducing payments related to the Treaty of Waitangi settlements process. 13

Green Party Jeanette Fitzsimons
and Rod Donald A left-leaning environmentalist party. In recent times, its most notable campaign has been against genetic engineering. It also promotes highly progressive social policies. 9

ACT Richard Prebble A party that promotes free market economics and campaigns against high government expenditure. Recently, it has also begun to focus on its policies of increasing punishments for crime. 8

United Future Peter Dunne A centrist or centre-right party which describes itself as based around "common sense". It has a particular focus on policies concerning the family and social issues. 8

Progressive Party Jim Anderton A left-wing party with a particular focus on job creation and regional development. It is the junior partner in Labour's coalition government, with its leader serving as a cabinet minister. 2

There is also one independent MP in parliament: Donna Awatere Huata, a former member of ACT who was ejected from the party over allegations of fraud. If ACT succedes in invoking the Electoral Integrity Act, or if she is found guilty of the charges against her, she will be removed from parliament, her seat will probably revert to ACT.

Registered Parties Outside of Parliament

Parties are listed in alphabetical order.

The Alliance - a left-wing party supporting the welfare state, free education, environmental protection, and Maori interests. The Progressive Party (see above) was formed when Jim Anderton, former leader of the Alliance, left. Now, the Alliance's is led by former party president Matt McCarten, who was Anderton's main opponent during the group's internal disputes.
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party - a party which (as its name suggests) supports the legalisation of cannabis. This remains the core of its platform, although it also comments on other issues that it considers related. It is led by Michael Appleby.
Christian Heritage New Zealand - a party based around Christian conservative values. It supports policies to strengthen marriage, and opposes abortion and same-sex unions. It is currently led by Ewan McQueen.
Democratic Party - a party based around the idea of Social Credit. The party was once a member of the Alliance (see above), and is one of the older parties in New Zealand. It was formerly known simply as the Social Credit Party.
Destiny New Zealand - a party based around the Destiny Church, a Christian religious organization. The party does not stress its association with this particular church, however, and attempts to appeal to Christians of any denomination as long as they are devout. The party is led by Richard Lewis.
Mana Maori Movement - a party based around New Zealand's indigenous Maori inhabitants. As of the last election, the Te Tawharau party was working under the Mana Maori Movement banner. The party appears to have several leaders, possibly as the result of being made up of multiple components.
Mana Motuhake - a Maori-based party that was once a part of the Alliance (see above). It advocates on a wide range of issues related to Maori. It is led by Willie Jackson.
Libertarianz - a libertarian party dedicated to keeping government as small as possible and maximising freedoms. It is led by Russell Watkins.
One New Zealand Party - a small party based on Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party in Australia. It opposes all special policies towards Maori. It is led by John Porter.
Outdoor Recreation New Zealand - a party dedicated to promoting the interests of the hunting, fishing, and shooting communities. It is led by Lester Roy Phelps. Outdoor Recreation New Zealand has agreed to contest the 2005 election under the banner of the United Future party, although the parties will not actually merge.