Socred Plans A ‘new Society' (Press, 24 October 1981)

On 24 October 1981, the New Zealand Social Credit Party unveiled its 1981 election manifesto, titled "New Society," which offers a vision for increased citizen involvement in governance and more individual choices. The manifesto, released by party leader Mr B. C. Beetham, is structured in 31 sections and aims to address a range of societal issues through incentives rather than stringent regulations. This marks the first manifesto from the three leading political parties for the upcoming election, with 25,000 copies printed for sale at $2.95 each. The manifesto outlines key policies in several areas, starting with agriculture, where it promotes private land ownership and discourages purchases by non-farming interests through the Land Aggregation Act. It proposes low-interest financing for farmers, tax exemptions on increased production, and initiatives in irrigation and rural education. In arts and culture, Social Credit proposes funding allocated on a triennial basis to the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council, the establishment of a Ministry of Arts and Culture, and tax incentives for businesses supporting the arts. The broadcasting policy encourages private enterprise TV and educational TV development, alongside reduced licence fees for pensioners. On defence, a Defence Council would be formed to reorganise the armed forces, focusing on peacekeeping and civil defence, while barring nuclear-powered ships from New Zealand ports. Education policy plans for decentralisation and support for independent schools include the introduction of a Certificate of Attainment for school leavers and revisions to university entrance examinations. Energy policies express a commitment to self-sufficiency and the promotion of hydroelectric power, along with restrictions on coal exports. The manifesto envisages the Electricity Division becoming a public corporation and encourages the development of alternative fuels. Environmental concerns would see the establishment of a Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, strict logging restrictions on certain forests, and limits on land sales to foreign entities. Finance proposals focus on creating a national credit authority and regulating maximum interest rates for lending institutions, alongside a minimum wage guarantee and tax reforms favouring small and medium businesses. In foreign affairs, Social Credit aims to enhance trade relations and advocate for nuclear-free zones while maintaining a commitment to the ANZUS agreement until a more comprehensive strategy is established. Healthcare reforms call for decentralised health services, an increase in medical subsidies, and an emphasis on preventive and alternative medicine. Housing initiatives include inflation-proofed savings for first-home buyers and gradual interest rate reductions. Industrial relations would see the formation of unions across industries, with job-sharing and shorter working weeks advocated for. The manifesto promises improvements in law enforcement and outlines plans for a Bill of Rights, changes in electoral laws to adopt proportional representation, and measures for decentralising governance while phasing out the Department of Maori Affairs. In social welfare, it proposes a co-ordinated system managing superannuation and accident compensation alongside a network of workplace creches. Finally, the manifesto includes an emphasis on youth affairs, creating job opportunities, and utilising Maori and Pacific Island leadership in youth justice cases. Overall, Social Credit’s 1981 manifesto presents a comprehensive set of policies aimed at fostering greater participation, individual enterprise, and social welfare in New Zealand.

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