Media release 22nd November 2011
Will there be a Parliamentary majority to support reducing Inequality? Late surge in support
More than 63 political leaders and party candidates from six political parties have signed up to support policies to
reduce inequality if elected. They have been responding to NZ Council of Christian Social Services’ (NZCCSS) invitation
to show support for their Closer Together Whakatata Mai Choice to reduce inequalities
“Income inequality is an issue that affects all New Zealanders because we all share the responsibility of making sure
our most vulnerable members of society, which includes our children, have access to the resources they need. These
include adequate food, water, medicine, shelter and clothing - resources that many people take for granted but, for a
growing number, others cannot,” says Trevor McGlinchey, Executive Officer of the NZCCSS.
“Church leaders have also called on political parties to look to our responsibility to each other and the common good in
ensuring a just share of society’s wealth and resources, especially the most vulnerable. This is a call we can all share
in.”
What the Political Leaders told us
Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei says “I can certainly commit to encouraging our members, candidates and caucus
members to pursue policy and programs that reduce inequality and alleviate poverty. We applaud your initiative and hope
that you receive positive feedback from other party leaders.” She told us Green Party policy Mind the Gap is based
around reducing income inequality. Fair tax (including capital gains tax), $15 hour minimum wage, progressive energy
prices, In-Work Tax Credit for all families with children and 6,000 new state houses are all part of this package.
Labour Leader Hon Phil Goff has signed up and said that “Labour is committed to reducing inequality. Our policies will
reduce inequality by tackling child poverty, reducing the pressure on families, creating jobs and addressing the wage
gap.” He points to policies that extend the Working for Families assistance to more children, increase in the minimum
wage and more apprenticeship jobs for young people as ways that Labour would help to reduce inequality.
Māori Party Co-Leader Hon Tariana Turia says “We believe the moral test of a society is not whether we add more wealth
to those who are well off; but whether we provide enough for those who have too little. Our focus is on restoring our
own ability to care for ourselves – in essence this is the strength of Whānau Ora, supporting our families to do for
themselves.” She notes that “persistent inequalities are compounded for Māori and Pasifika populations” especially
amongst children. She says “Our biggest concern is that income inequality leads to the intensification of a whole range
of social issues making solutions even more complex.”
The National Party sees growing the economy as their way of reducing the gap between rich and poor While no formal
response has been received from National Party Leader Hon John Key and no National candidate has signed the pledge,
National List MP Jackie Blue told NZCCSS that “National believes the best way to get people out of poverty and reduce
the income gap is to grow the economy. This leads to more jobs and higher wages.” She told us that National has a clear
plan to grow the economy faster - “That’s the only way we can provide Kiwis with security and the opportunity to get
ahead”.
United Future Leader Peter Dunne says “I very much support your call for more detailed debate around the possible ways
to reduce poverty and income inequality. United Future is committed to policies which support families and boost all New
Zealanders' standard of living by creating jobs, encouraging savings and investment and other wealth-creating
initiatives.”
NZ First Leader Winston Peters’ reply to our request was short and to the point “NZ First has always supported reduction
in income inequality policies” Similarly the Alliance Party Co-Leader Kay Murray told us of her party’s commitment to
reduce inequality.
NZCCSS hopes that there will be a majority in Parliament to support reducing income inequality and we have posted party
leader responses and candidate sign-ups on www.closertogether.org.nz along with other information about the impact of high inequality and poverty and policies that can reduce the
inequality and make us all better off.
ENDS