Socred Offers “difference” (Press, 30 May 1985)

In a statement made on 30 May 1985, Social Credit leader Bruce Beetham expressed optimism about his party's chances in the upcoming election for the Timaru seat, citing their success in Pakuranga during the snap general election the previous year. During that election, National had expected to win but ultimately lost to Social Credit’s Neil Morrison. Beetham highlighted the effectiveness of their campaign manager, Henry Raynel, who previously organised successful campaigns in other electorates. According to Beetham’s canvassing, Labour held a lead in Timaru, with National slightly ahead of Social Credit, while the New Zealand Party was significantly trailing. However, he noted that up to 50 per cent of voters were still undecided. Beetham outlined Social Credit's strategy, which focuses on presenting a distinct economic policy that sets them apart from Labour, National, and the New Zealand Party. He accused Labour of abandoning its traditional values, claiming it was adopting a far-right, monetarist approach. He stated that National was also confused in its efforts to return to the same ideological ground, while the New Zealand Party lacked effective policies due to Labour's dominance. The Social Credit campaign will address both local and national concerns. Locally, Beetham mentioned issues like drought, a sewerage scheme, coastal erosion control, irrigation, and fluoridation that he believed would resonate with constituents in Timaru. Nationally, key voter concerns included the proposed goods and services tax, superannuation surtax, high interest rates, inflation, and increasing government charges. Social Credit's candidate, Lynley Simmons, has taken a clear stance against liberalising laws regarding homosexuality and abortion, which Beetham believed would appeal to some voters who might be uncomfortable with the "trendy Lefty" views of Labour’s candidate, Jan Walker. After losing support in the previous election, where they garnered about 4,500 votes in 1981, Beetham is hopeful that this time they can regain lost ground. He described the earlier election as a unique situation driven by a strong desire to remove then-Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon, resulting in Labour receiving support as the alternative. However, Beetham is confident that the current political climate is different, with a growing dissatisfaction and even disgust directed towards Labour's performance among the electorate.

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