Comment From The Capital Election Result May Well... (Press, 30 October 1972)

The 1972 General Election in New Zealand, scheduled for November 25, has the potential to significantly hinge on the influence of minor parties, a development that could alter the dynamics for the major parties, Labour and National. As candidates are still being nominated, the final composition of parties remains uncertain but is expected to include Labour, National, New Democrats, and Social Credit, among others. Several smaller parties and independent candidates are also poised to enter the fray, including the Liberal Reform party and the newly-formed Values Party. The election is being described as the "Send-up Election," marked by a rise in unconventional candidates and parties that aim to disrupt the traditional political landscape—such as the Mickey Mouse Party and Yippees. Many candidates are likely to attract voters disenchanted with Labour and National, significantly impacting the main parties' vote shares. A notable focus is on the new Values Party, led by A. J. Brunt, which seeks to gain ground by resonating with a younger electorate increasingly disillusioned with established political norms. The party's manifesto addresses a wide array of issues, ranging from economic growth and governmental reform to environmental concerns and race relations. It proposes radical ideas including scaling down economic growth, job improvement programmes, and both an increase in parliamentary members and a lowering of the voting age. The party also advocates for social changes, such as the reform of homosexual and abortion laws. Social Credit and its offshoot, the New Democrats, find themselves in a challenging position, as ongoing disputes within Social Credit could complicate voter support. Many voters, particularly the younger demographic, appear likely to explore alternative candidates, thereby challenging the traditional Labour-National dichotomy. Brunt's Values Party has garnered attention and aims to appeal to voters by addressing what they view as a "depression of the spirit" in New Zealand. This sentiment highlights a growing dissatisfaction with current policies and an overwhelming focus on economic metrics rather than human welfare. The party's manifesto, a substantial 58 pages long, critically engages with contemporary societal issues and could potentially draw significant support. In summary, with the election approaching, the outcome may primarily be decided by minor parties, who could siphon votes from Labour and National, making the results on November 25 particularly unpredictable. The success of parties like the Values Party may play a critical role in determining the balance of power in New Zealand's Parliament, highlighting the electorate's search for fresh alternatives to traditional political offerings.

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