N.Z.'s Widest Mix Of Right-wingers, Some Furtive... (Press, 2 September 1987)

A significant transformation in the political landscape of Christchurch, New Zealand, has been noted as various Right-wing groups and lobbyists emerge from obscurity to advocate for a conservative agenda. The 1987 General Election campaign witnessed an unprecedented level of organised campaigning by Right-wing individuals and organisations, highlighted by the circulation of bogus Labour Party pamphlets targeting Cabinet Ministers in the Christchurch North and Central electorates. This election saw a marked increase in aggressive politicking, with a range of Right-wing groups, from Lex Rex to Campaign for a Soviet Free New Zealand, actively attempting to influence voter sentiments. Sources of the bogus pamphlets became shrouded in mystery, revealing a well-organised network of Right-wing politics, with some members choosing to remain anonymous, reflecting an underlying culture of secrecy and suspicion among these groups. They expressed a collective dissatisfaction with the current political climate, driven by a sense that traditional party politics was failing to represent conservative views adequately. Paul Spoonley from Massey University posits that this discontent reflects a wider polarisation in New Zealand society, as varying political factions become increasingly assertive. The Right-wing coalition is diverse, consisting of groups stretching from the extreme to moderate conservatism. Christchurch is described as a stronghold for these movements, boasting around 26 Right-wing organisations, influencing local political dynamics. Within these groups, a distinct generational divide exists, with older conservatives shaped by historical political movements and a younger demographic reacting against the liberal social changes of the 1970s and 1980s. A prominent player is the Christchurch Integrity Centre, led by Neville Rush, who expresses a desire for moral reform in the political sphere. He perceives the existing party system as corrupt and warns against what he describes as a gradual shift towards a secular humanist state. The Integrity Centre aims to mobilise grassroots political activism, urging citizens to engage in local governance and advocate against perceived moral decline. Rush's criticisms extend to the Labour Government's policies and what he terms "traitorous" elements within local politics. Other active groups include the Coalition of Concerned Citizens, which operates publicly and claims broad membership across the political spectrum, focusing on law and order issues. They maintain that they act on behalf of various community interests rather than targeting specific political parties. Another shadowy organisation, O.W.L. Information, described as rural-based and anti-Labour, exemplifies the clandestine nature of some Right-wing activities. It operates through anonymous newsletters and maintains a policy of non-disclosure regarding its membership and leadership. Overall, the emergence of these organisations demonstrates a growing frustration among Right-wing factions in New Zealand towards the prevailing political climate, with many groups advocating for a return to traditional moral values. As they rally for greater representation, observers foresee a potential escalation of their activities in anticipation of the Labour Government's re-election.

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