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Summary: Nat. Group Attacks Own Leadership (Press, 12 March 1985)
On 12 March 1985, political reporter Karren Beanland highlighted growing dissatisfaction among National Party supporters across New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch, where groups known as “Sunday Clubs” have emerged. These groups were also forming in other centres including New Plymouth, Napier, Hamilton, and Wellington. According to Alex Hoggan, the Christchurch publicity officer for the Sunday Club, the organisations were established due to perceived ineptitude within the party’s leadership and the feeling that strong direction was lacking. The Christchurch group became the first to publicly outline their aims, stating that disillusionment among party supporters was driving them away. They expressed criticism towards party president Sue Wood, director-general Barry Leay, and party leader Jim McLay, citing concerns that the leadership had failed to learn from the last election’s defeat. The group aligns with former leader Sir Robert Muldoon, who previously indicated that poor organisation contributed significantly to the party's failures in the 1984 election. The Sunday Clubs believe that the National Party has a prime opportunity to leverage discontent with the Labour Government, particularly regarding economic issues such as inflation and rising food prices. However, they argued that the party was being diverted by issues like homosexual law reform instead of capitalising on these challenges. Hoggan specifically noted that private citizen Dr. Jim Sprott was performing roles expected of the National Party, particularly concerning A.N.Z.U.S. issues. The group called for more experienced leadership, feeling that Sue Wood lacked the necessary expertise and had overstepped her authority by signalling a leadership change last year. They expressed disappointment in Jim McLay’s performance, claiming that members had been waiting for eight months for a demonstrated improvement under his leadership. Furthermore, the group indicated that many former supporters have either exited the party or shifted their allegiance to the New Zealand Party, feeling undervalued and ignored within the party structure, experiencing a lack of engagement in party meetings. They expressed frustrations over not being invited to contribute and only being viewed as financial supporters. While Hoggan noted that hundreds were involved in the Sunday Clubs, he refrained from naming members until they could publicise their mission and organise public meetings. The Christchurch group comprised representatives from various electorates and included individuals who had actively campaigned for Muldoon during his leadership battle. The Sunday Club has outlined several primary objectives: to restore a strong party organisation by addressing existing flaws, ensure adherence to party principles by future leadership, promote experienced leadership in executive roles, ensure member voices are considered, and guarantee that the next National Government is elected based on merit rather than Labour's mismanagement. Additionally, members intend to stand for office within the National Party to advocate for these aims.
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