Liberalism in New Zealand
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Contributions to liberal theory |
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.
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Introduction
In New Zealand, the term "liberalism" 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, both today and at the time, it would be better described as socialist.
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". The right-wing parties, such as National and ACT, are the ones most commonly associated with economic liberalism, while the left-wing parties, such as Labour and the Greens, are the ones most commonly associated with social liberalism. Parties such as New Zealand First are not usually associated with either type.
Timeline
Liberal Party / United Party
- 1891: John Ballance, upon becoming Prime Minister, founds the Liberal Party. It is later led by Richard Seddon and Joseph Ward, 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 Party". The new party is led by George William Forbes.
- 1936: The party merges with the Reform Party into the conservative National Party.
Democrat Party
- 1934: Prominent "anti-socialist" political organiser Albert Davy founds the Democrat Party, with a strong focus on economic liberalism.
- 1935: The Democrats capture eight percent of the vote, but no seats.
New Zealand Party
- 1983: Bob Jones, a wealthy property tycoon, founds the New Zealand Party 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.