Lecture series to provide insight into 2014 election
Could National’s refusal to reform MMP lead to the defeat of the government? Is the media providing voters with the
information they require to make an informed electoral decision? What directions might John Key’s leadership take if he
secures a third term?
These questions and more will be part of a five-week course about the 2014 New Zealand election, run by Victoria
University of Wellington’s Continuing Education programme.
Five academics from Victoria’s Political Science and International Relations programme will offer a variety of
perspectives on the general election. Members of the public can sign up to the full five-week course or join individual
sessions.
Jeff Ashford, Director of Victoria’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, says the course is for anyone interested in politics
and the electoral system in New Zealand.
“It will provide a valuable context for understanding this year’s election and insight into the parties, personalities,
media and policies that will feature.”
Course outline:
Wednesday 6 August
Continuity and Change in Electoral Politics: The 2014 New Zealand General Election
Professor Stephen Levine
This talk will set the scene by looking at cycles of change and continuity in electoral politics, providing a sketch of
the historic context in which the 2014 competition for votes will take place.
Wednesday 13 August
Foreign Policy and the General Election: Positioning in an Age of Asian Growth
Dr Jason Young
Trade relations with Asia already dominate New Zealand exports and imports and business, and investment links are
quickly following. Diplomatic and security relations in the Asia-Pacific will remain central to New Zealand's foreign
policy over the coming decades. This lecture will examine the positions of the major parties on New Zealand's place in
the Asia Pacific.
Wednesday 20 August
The Electoral System and the Election
Professor Nigel Roberts
How our electoral system converts votes into seats in Parliament has profound consequences for the government and
politics of New Zealand. Given the rules governing MMP, it can spell success or disaster for political parties. What’s
likely to happen on Saturday, 20 September? This lecture will question whether National’s refusal to reform MMP could
lead, ironically, to the defeat of the government.
Wednesday 27 August
John Key in Political Time Redux
Dr Jon Johansson
This session will examine Prime Minister John Key’s leadership in political time. Looking at how New Zealand’s politics
has developed post-1984, Dr Johansson will locate John Key and his government as continuing the long post-Rogernomics
consolidation. Projecting forward, he will discuss some of the underlying dimensions of Key’s leadership and what future
directions it might take should Key secure a third term.
Wednesday 3 September
Media’s Role in the 2014 New Zealand Election Campaign
Dr Kate McMillan
What role has the news media played in the 2014 election campaign? This lecture will assess the degree to which the New
Zealand media are carrying out the roles expected of them in a representative democracy. It will also look at a range of
challenges currently facing the media and ask how these challenges have enhanced and diminished its ability to provide
voters with comprehensive information ahead of the election.
The full five-week course costs $110 and individual sessions cost $25 each. For more information or to register visit
http://cce.victoria.ac.nz/courses/248-elections-2014-be-informed
ends