This election, our country is at a crossroads
New Zealand is facing a fundamental choice:
Do we become a country where political power and rights are divided by ethnicity, or do we choose a future where every citizen is equal?
This is not simply a choice about which parties will form the next government. It is a choice about the kind of country we want to live in — and pass on to the next generation. Once fundamental changes to our political and constitutional arrangements become embedded, they can be difficult to reverse.
That possibility is no longer theoretical. Te Pāti Māori has said that major constitutional reform would be a bottom line in coalition negotiations. Other parties are also proposing significant changes to New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements. You can read more on the parties' policies at Where the parties stand
Democracy Action has a clear vision for the kind of New Zealand we believe our children and grandchildren should inherit — a country founded on equal citizenship, equality before the law, one person, one vote, democratic accountability and parliamentary sovereignty. You can read the principles we are calling on political parties to support and enact on our VOTE 2026 page: "Vision for New Zealand".
That is why we encourage every New Zealander who cares deeply about our country's future, as we do, to get involved and make your voice heard.
See our VOTE 2026 page for information on:
- Where the parties stand on issues relating to equal citizenship, parliamentary authority and democratic accountability;
- Practical ways you can take action during the election campaign; and
- Questions to ask every party and candidate.
(Our research focuses on parties that are serious contenders for winning representation in Parliament, rather than attempting to cover every registered party).
Freedom of Conscience and Professional Regulation: The Janet Dickson Case
A new article takes a hard look at the people and institutions involved in the Janet Dickson case, whose real estate licence is at risk after she declined a compulsory cultural competency requirement.
“Witch Hunt Nears Its Grisly End” examines the events that put Janet’s licence in jeopardy and raises serious questions about the process and those involved. Janet has shown considerable courage in standing by her principles, and the case deserves public attention. We encourage you to read the article and consider the issues it raises:
👉 Witch Hunt Nears Its Grisly End
Stand up for Property Rights
Secure property rights are fundamental to a free and democratic society. Groundswell NZ is urging New Zealanders to stand up for property owners' rights in Gore and is asking the public to sign its petition opposing proposed planning changes that it says could undermine those rights.
We encourage our supporters to read the petition, consider the issues it raises, and add your voice if you agree.
👉 Sign the Groundswell petition: Protect Property Rights in Gore
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We have some very welcome news!
Professor Dame Elizabeth Rata is creating a 39-part podcast series exploring the history of New Zealand’s education system. The series asks three important questions: Why did New Zealand develop one of the world’s best education systems from the 19th century through to the 1970s? Why was that remarkable legacy dismantled? And what can we do to restore quality education?
The first three episodes will be released on September 18th, followed by an episode each week. We encourage you to watch, subscribe, and share the series with others to join Elizabeth on this wonderful historical journey.
For more perspectives and analysis, explore the articles and commentaries featured in the Further News, Views, and Commentaries section below.
Get Involved!
Want to be part of the conversation? Join us on:
👉 Facebook: Democracy Action
👉 X: @DemocracyActNZ
Comment, share, and help spread the word.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. If you have any suggestions you would like to offer, or if you need further information or help, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
And please help spread the message by sharing our newsletters with anyone who may be interested. You can receive further updates by registering or joining us.
Kind regards,
Susan Short