Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
While voters are being bombarded with promises on the cost of living, health and education, the Conservatives believe the biggest issue facing New Zealand is one that barely rates a mention on the campaign trail: the steady erosion of democracy.
Party leader Helen Houghton says successive governments of all political stripes have become increasingly comfortable bypassing public scrutiny and rushing legislation through Parliament.
“Undeniably the loss of democracy underpins cost of living, health, education, environment or whatever issue that goes before Parliament,” Houghton said.
The Conservatives, who remain well below the 5 percent threshold required to enter Parliament, argue that growing executive power has become a long-term trend rather than a problem confined to one government.
Houghton points to Parliament’s increasing use of urgency, a procedure that allows legislation to be fast-tracked and can limit public consultation through the select committee process.
According to the party, the current coalition government has used urgency 33 times, exceeding the figures recorded under both the previous Labour Government led by Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins, and the National-led government of John Key.
The criticism is directed across the political spectrum.
Houghton says Labour’s attacks on the current government’s use of urgency ring hollow given its own record while in office.
“When politicians complain about practices they previously embraced themselves, voters are entitled to question their sincerity,” she said.
The issue is not confined to political opponents. The Conservatives have also criticised ministers who defend the use of urgency as necessary for efficient government.
Houghton notes that former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer recently warned that urgency was increasingly being used to avoid proper scrutiny rather than deal with legislative workloads.
The New Zealand Law Society has likewise raised concerns over successive governments rushing legislation, arguing that poorly scrutinised laws can reduce transparency and accountability.
While the Conservatives remain a minor player in the election landscape, Houghton believes they are highlighting a problem larger parties would rather avoid.
“Democracy only works when governments are prepared to listen,” she said. “The danger begins when they stop asking.”
Whether voters agree remains to be seen, but the Conservatives hope their warning resonates beyond the ballot numbers.
