The Platform: Truly Tolerant Campaigning Guidelines

Last week, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), in association with Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon released their Inclusive Campaigning Guidelines, a series of recommendations on how local government candidates are expected to conduct themselves during upcoming local elections.

On its surface, it would appear to carry good intentions, promoting principles such as inclusion, diversity, and respectful debate. However, under closer scrutiny the façade crumbles and the guidelines reveal themselves for what they really are: an attempt to suppress debate around crucial issues.