Liberalism in New Zealand
Encyclopedia
This article gives an overview of liberalism in New Zealand
. It is limited to liberal
parties
with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.
" has been used by a large variety of groups and organisations, but usually refers to a support for individual liberties and limited government. The term is generally used only with a reference to a particular policy area, e.g. "market liberalism" or "social liberalism". Unqualified liberalism is less common; in its extreme form it can be known as "libertarianism
", although this term is used less in New Zealand than in some other countries. Some historians claim that liberalism was a dominant force in New Zealand until around 1936, citing the strong position of the Liberal Party
. However, there is (and always was) debate as to whether the Liberal Party was actually liberal — according to some observers, it would be better described as "socialist
", although this was a common accusation made against early 20th century liberals, around the world.
Today, there is no party which is universally recognised as "the party of liberalism", although there are parties which attempt to claim this title — ACT New Zealand, for example, officially labels itself "the Liberal Party".
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. It is limited to liberal
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
parties
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.
Introduction
In New Zealand, the term "liberalismLiberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
" has been used by a large variety of groups and organisations, but usually refers to a support for individual liberties and limited government. The term is generally used only with a reference to a particular policy area, e.g. "market liberalism" or "social liberalism". Unqualified liberalism is less common; in its extreme form it can be known as "libertarianism
Libertarianism
Libertarianism, in the strictest sense, is the political philosophy that holds individual liberty as the basic moral principle of society. In the broadest sense, it is any political philosophy which approximates this view...
", although this term is used less in New Zealand than in some other countries. Some historians claim that liberalism was a dominant force in New Zealand until around 1936, citing the strong position of the Liberal Party
New Zealand Liberal Party
The New Zealand Liberal Party is generally regarded as having been the first real political party in New Zealand. It governed from 1891 until 1912. Out of office, the Liberals gradually found themselves pressed between the conservative Reform Party and the growing Labour Party...
. However, there is (and always was) debate as to whether the Liberal Party was actually liberal — according to some observers, it would be better described as "socialist
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
", although this was a common accusation made against early 20th century liberals, around the world.
Today, there is no party which is universally recognised as "the party of liberalism", although there are parties which attempt to claim this title — ACT New Zealand, for example, officially labels itself "the Liberal Party".
Liberal Party / United Party
- 1891: John BallanceJohn BallanceJohn Ballance served as the 14th Premier of New Zealand at the end of the 19th century, and was the founder of the Liberal Party .-Early life:...
, upon becoming Prime MinisterPrime Minister of New ZealandThe Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand...
, founds the Liberal PartyNew Zealand Liberal PartyThe New Zealand Liberal Party is generally regarded as having been the first real political party in New Zealand. It governed from 1891 until 1912. Out of office, the Liberals gradually found themselves pressed between the conservative Reform Party and the growing Labour Party...
. It is later led by Richard SeddonRichard SeddonRichard John Seddon , sometimes known as King Dick, is to date the longest serving Prime Minister of New Zealand. He is regarded by some, including historian Keith Sinclair, as one of New Zealand's greatest political leaders....
and Joseph WardJoseph WardSir Joseph George Ward, 1st Baronet, GCMG was the 17th Prime Minister of New Zealand on two occasions in the early 20th century.-Early life:...
, among others, although some historians contend that none of the later leaders had the same ideological commitment to liberalism as Ballance and his allies. - 1927: Remnants of the party absorb the United New Zealand Political Organization, adopting the name "United PartyUnited Party (New Zealand)The United Party of New Zealand, a party formed out of the remnants of the Liberal Party, formed a government between 1928 and 1935, and in 1936 merged with the Reform Party to establish the National Party...
". The new party is led by George William ForbesGeorge William ForbesGeorge William Forbes served as the 22nd Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1930 to 1935. Few expected him to become Prime Minister when he did, and some believed him unsuitable, but he nevertheless remained in that office for five years...
. - 1936: The party merges with the Reform PartyNew Zealand Reform PartyThe Reform Party, formally the New Zealand Political Reform League, was New Zealand's second major political party, having been founded as a conservative response to the original Liberal Party...
into the conservative National PartyNew Zealand National PartyThe New Zealand National Party is the largest party in the New Zealand House of Representatives and in November 2008 formed a minority government with support from three minor parties.-Policies:...
.
Democrat Party
- 1934: Prominent "anti-socialistSocialismSocialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
" political organiser Albert DavyAlbert DavyAlbert Ernest Davy was a New Zealand political organiser and campaign manager; and at the height of his career, was regarded by some as the best in the country...
founds the Democrat PartyNew Zealand Democrat PartyThe New Zealand Democrat Party was a political party in New Zealand, founded in 1934 with the purpose of opposing "socialist" legislation by the government....
, with a strong focus on economic liberalism. - 1935: The Democrats capture eight percent of the vote, but no seats.
New Zealand Party
- 1983: Bob JonesBob Jones (New Zealand)Sir Robert 'Bob' Jones is a property tycoon, author and former politician in New Zealand. Growing up in the City of Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae, he attended Naenae College and then Victoria University of Wellington...
, a wealthy property tycoon, founds the New Zealand PartyNew Zealand Partywidth=300|thumb|Party logoThe New Zealand Party was a political party operating in New Zealand. It was established by millionaire property tycoon Bob Jones, and promoted both social and economic liberalization. The New Zealand Party's motto was "Freedom and Prosperity", and it has sometimes been...
to promote both economic and social liberalism. Some consider the party to be mildly libertarian. - 1984: The New Zealand Party captures twelve percent of the vote, but no seats.
See also
- History of New ZealandHistory of New ZealandThe history of New Zealand dates back at least 700 years to when it was discovered and settled by Polynesians, who developed a distinct Māori culture centred on kinship links and land. The first European explorer to discover New Zealand was Abel Janszoon Tasman on 13 December 1642...
- Politics of New ZealandPolitics of New ZealandThe politics of New Zealand take place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy. The basic system is closely patterned on that of the Westminster System, although a number of significant modifications have been made...
- List of political parties in New Zealand