After arriving at ACT headquarters in Newmarket, AnswerMeNow1 sits down with a mocha cappucino to speak with ACT leader FelineNibbler.
AnswerMeNow1- So, could you give me a 30-second pitch on why people should vote ACT?
FelineNibbler- ACT is the last party willing to fight for a smaller, more efficient, more modern, and more accountable government. We have to do better, and ACT will keep whatever party elected in check.
A- Alright. Now, would a vote for ACT end up being a wasted vote? You've been around the 1% mark for a while, and you only just managed to cross it- why shouldn't people just vote for, say, National?
F- I think the people in the National are doing good things for this country, but, as will become apparent upon release of our platform during the election, we have major differences and ACT will be, and should be, a party that is ideologically different than National. As well, we all know that ACT's momentum is going one direction— upwards. I don't have any reason to believe we won't meet the threshold for a list seat next election, and I hope we can pick up a few Electorates as well.
A- Electorates? Which electorates in specific- could you tell us where you might run?
F- I can't share which electorates in specific, but I can tell you that we plan to run in as many electorates as possible, and will campaign hard to win in up to 3 electorates.
A- Do you think that's somewhat ambitious? No new party that didn't have existing representation has even won 1 electorate at their first election.
F- Ambition is needed. Ambition is necessary. ACT may not win all the electorates we fight for, but we'll work to keep socialist tax-and-spend parties out of parliament and deliver accountability for all New Zealanders.
A- Let's say ACT wins a seat and looks set to be a puzzle piece in the portrait that is government- which parties would you work with?
F- We're willing to work with any party that shares similar ideology, or any party that will work to help pass some of our liberal policy. We're keeping our options open, and will seek to be pragmatic in our choices for support.
A- What would you like to achieve in parliament?
F- New Zealand has to address the cost of housing, and we're currently formulating innovative policy on the matter. Lowering the cost and increasing the supply of housing will be one of the highest priorities for ACT. As well, we'll seek to reform regulations to create a ready-for-investment New Zealand. As part of this, we will look at union laws, resource laws, immigration laws, education supports, welfare systems, and more.
A- Now, you've been contributing to parliament and parliamentary debates a lot- in fact, you were recently elected Speaker of the House. But in a recent debate for the Environmental Protection Bill, you were joined by National and Te Tawharau in opposing certain aspects of it- similarly, National and Te Tawharau also supported another policy you came out in support of, repealing elections for District Health Boards. What do you think of these two parties and how, if you do hope to work with them, wish to work with them?
F- I think we've done a good job of advancing both progressive social policy, like Meritocratic Health Boards, and smart economic policy. Despite obvious ideological differences, ACT has taken a clear and positive position on dealing with the other parties, one which allows us to work with parties like Te Tawharau, the Greens, and Labour on progressive social issues while also working with parties like National on economical issues. I have a great deal of respect for all parties, and truly believe we can find agreement on at least some policies with all parties, and hope that parliament will come together to make further progress on the pressing issues to New Zealand.
A- Do you think that it's a possibility you could work with the Greens or Labour in government?
F- It would depend on the makeup of the parliament, but we're not ruling anything out as a party. I would say, though, it's likely that in a situation where ACT would be supporting a Green or Labour government, we would be Confidence and Supply partners rather than full coalition partners. But, as I've said, we're not ruling anything out and I believe we are in a good position to work with almost any party, provided we are making positive progress for New Zealanders.
A- What do you think of New Zealand First? The ACT party has historically taken a stance against Winston Peters and many NZ First policies.
F- I think New Zealand First is misguided in many of their protectionist, immigration-skeptic policies. I would hope that New Zealand First realize the unfortunate nature of their anti-trade policies and the cruel and reactionary opposition to safe and measure immigration. ACT is a party of trade, and a party of opportunities. Those opportunities must include immigrants, not exclude them.
A- Do you have anything final to say?
F- I'd just like to thank you and the Canberra Times for this in-depth interview!
A- Thank you very much, have a wonderful night, and best of luck.
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