In an apparent landslide victory, Labour has won a second term in government.

Yeah, couple of things wrong with that statement: firstly, Labour didn’t win their first term in government, they took it along with the remnants of other losing political parties, and secondly, how can one consider it a ‘landslide’ when, two and a half years into a three year term they have the opportunity thrust at them to finally stand up and do something practical for the people of New Zealand.

The fact the nation was being run by our MMP-dictated coalition-of-losers probably explains why, for the bulk of Labour’s stint, nothing of significance changed in New Zealand; seems perilous that now, based on just their last six months in power, we’ve apparently chosen Labour to take care of us for the next three years, bearing in mind that things are going to need to start happening soon and, clearly, Labour is not a great choice in that regard.

For those few New Zealand citizens – recently returned from abroad or otherwise – who chose to effectively waste their vote by supporting one of the minor parties, nice to see that ACT and the level head of David Seymour made it back; his sole focus will likely be smoothing irregularities in logic of the Green party.

As nobody required a floundering Kingmaker this time, Winnie’s out, with an all-time low result for the NZ First party. Enough said.

While I consider the above a good thing, realistically, given the compassionate grounds on which Miss Ardern seems to base all her decisions, I am no longer full of confidence in New Zealand’s future.

Politics is not a popularity contest; the question of who you like the most should not have played a part in our election – who do you think can steer your country through the next three years without crashing, is a better question.

Good luck, guys.

 

 

Article by Tim Walker

Edited by Devi Staten

Photography by Noah Hope