When the special vote tallies are released this afternoon and the results of the general election are finalised, National’s leadership will want to waste little time in forming a new government.
The party has already articulated its immediate priorities in the form of a 100-day plan, and National’s deputy leader Nicola Willis has indicated her intention to publish a “mini-Budget” before Christmas, presuming she becomes the new Finance Minister.
National’s haste is shared by the parties with which it is negotiating.
Winston Peters, whose party is likely to play some role in supporting the next government, has rightly noted it would be in New Zealand’s best interests if an official representative of the new government could be at the Pacific Islands Forum, starting on Monday.
In an interview with The Platform, Peters laughed off a suggestion that he himself might attend as New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, but his previous experience would allow him to slip seamlessly into the position.
Regardless of when a deal is finalised, National is on a reasonably tight timeframe.
Parliament’s last sitting day of the year is December 14, and although Christopher Luxon says he wants parliament to restart earlier after the Christmas break, the house usually doesn’t sit again until February.
Policies on the scrapheap
Incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon with deputy leader Nicola Willis and National's new MPs. (Source: 1News)
Every new government looks for quick wins, and it’s notable that much of National’s 100-day plan prioritises reversing policies that were introduced under Labour.
National has pledged to end the Clean Car Discount by December 31 and to introduce legislation that will scrap Auckland’s regional fuel tax.
The Reserve Bank’s dual mandate, focused on maintaining maximum employment, will be turfed in favour of a single focus on price stability and inflation.
Labour’s Fair Pay reforms will be scrapped, and legislation to disestablish the Māori Health Authority will be introduced.
In a reversal-of-a-reversal, National will reintroduce 90-day trial periods for employers, after they were scrapped under Jacinda Ardern.
Auckland’s Light Rail project will be cancelled in its current form and work will begin to disestablish the Te Pukenga polytech merger.
A tale of two political legacies
Of course, it’s easier and faster for governments to scrap things than to build afresh. Enduring change takes time.
For example, National’s 100-day plan promises to repeal the Three Waters legislation but unlike the party’s longer term policy platform, makes no mention of the steps to be introduced in its place.
Throughout the 2023 election race, the main parties defined much of their campaigning by what they opposed rather than what they supported.
This theme defines many of the top priorities for the likely incoming government.
Presuming National forms a new government, New Zealand will see change.
That change will come quickly. And much of all it will come at the expense of the previous government’s policies. It may only take a few weeks but in terms of legislative change, there will be little left to show for Labour’s six years in power.
But beyond that, National will have its own challenge in creating a political legacy that endures.
Jack Tame is a well-known television presenter and journalist in New Zealand. This article was first published HERE
National’s haste is shared by the parties with which it is negotiating.
Winston Peters, whose party is likely to play some role in supporting the next government, has rightly noted it would be in New Zealand’s best interests if an official representative of the new government could be at the Pacific Islands Forum, starting on Monday.
In an interview with The Platform, Peters laughed off a suggestion that he himself might attend as New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, but his previous experience would allow him to slip seamlessly into the position.
Regardless of when a deal is finalised, National is on a reasonably tight timeframe.
Parliament’s last sitting day of the year is December 14, and although Christopher Luxon says he wants parliament to restart earlier after the Christmas break, the house usually doesn’t sit again until February.
Policies on the scrapheap
Incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon with deputy leader Nicola Willis and National's new MPs. (Source: 1News)
Every new government looks for quick wins, and it’s notable that much of National’s 100-day plan prioritises reversing policies that were introduced under Labour.
National has pledged to end the Clean Car Discount by December 31 and to introduce legislation that will scrap Auckland’s regional fuel tax.
The Reserve Bank’s dual mandate, focused on maintaining maximum employment, will be turfed in favour of a single focus on price stability and inflation.
Labour’s Fair Pay reforms will be scrapped, and legislation to disestablish the Māori Health Authority will be introduced.
In a reversal-of-a-reversal, National will reintroduce 90-day trial periods for employers, after they were scrapped under Jacinda Ardern.
Auckland’s Light Rail project will be cancelled in its current form and work will begin to disestablish the Te Pukenga polytech merger.
A tale of two political legacies
Of course, it’s easier and faster for governments to scrap things than to build afresh. Enduring change takes time.
For example, National’s 100-day plan promises to repeal the Three Waters legislation but unlike the party’s longer term policy platform, makes no mention of the steps to be introduced in its place.
Throughout the 2023 election race, the main parties defined much of their campaigning by what they opposed rather than what they supported.
This theme defines many of the top priorities for the likely incoming government.
Presuming National forms a new government, New Zealand will see change.
That change will come quickly. And much of all it will come at the expense of the previous government’s policies. It may only take a few weeks but in terms of legislative change, there will be little left to show for Labour’s six years in power.
But beyond that, National will have its own challenge in creating a political legacy that endures.
Jack Tame is a well-known television presenter and journalist in New Zealand. This article was first published HERE
5 comments:
At least they've told us what they plan to do BEFORE they got elected, Jack.
Unlike Labour, who kept their toxic agenda secret then rolled it out, to the amazement of most people, excluding the MSM.
And if there's one government that deserves to have its racist policies reversed, its most definitely Ardern and Chippy's.
I imagine all the lefty journalists in msm are waiting with baited breath and sleepless nights, in anticipation of unleashing full woke negativity on anything and everything this new govt does. I really hope national makes winston peters the broadcasting minister.
Tame says “ there will be little left to show for Labour’s six years in power.” What a joke from this MSM brat. Take a squizz at the biggest debt created by Robertson and his buddy Orr left for the incoming govt to contended with?
Jack, you and all of your woke lefty pretend journalist mates would never survive in the real competitive world. Your Labour Party propaganda mouthpiece career funded by your political masters has ended so good luck with a proper job, you should be ashamed for deceiving the trusting New Zealand Public. I don't think the mainstream media will ever regain the respect they have lost. Kiwialan.
Next steps?
Tame could be assigned to reporting on news form Outer Mongolia or Lapland.
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