16 November 2000

UNITED FUTURE HERALDS A NEW ERA
FOR POLITICS

The announcement today of the formation of United Future New Zealand to represent mainstream values that promote inclusiveness instead of division, security not division, celebration of our diversity rather than negative emphasis on our differences and policies to help, not hinder families, heralds a new era for politics in New Zealand say, Hon Peter Dunne, leader United Future and Anthony Walton, deputy leader, United Future.

“Today we are talking about moving politics away from the ideological confines and petty point scoring that has dominated the political landscape for too long.

“We will do this several ways – through sensible, balanced and above all workable policies, by putting forward dedicated candidates to represent voters and by being open and receptive to new ideas – and looking forward, not back,” say Mr Dunne and Mr Walton.

They say disilluisionment and frustration with politics is higher than ever, in spite of MMP being seen as the panacea for its poor image.

“People are crying out for better, more accountable representation and for solutions that are practically based rather than the rhetoric and pettiness which dominates the debate at present.

“It is for this reason that United New Zealand and Future New Zealand have come together in this new coalition.

“We share a common vision and a similar policy platform to achieve this vision. For our parties the bottom line is about creating a better New Zealand, and we passionately know we will make a difference by working together and harnessing our respective strengths for the common cause.

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“That common cause is the country and people of New Zealand. It is not about the status quo. It is actually about making our good country even better than it is already – a country where economic performance rewards risk takers and innovators while providing strong education and health systems and compassion for those in their time of need.

“It is about New Zealand families and their not unreasonable expectation that they can achieve their best with the knowledge that the future is something to embrace and look forward to, not something to be viewed with trepidation.

“The time for rhetoric is over. The hard work must begin and that is where United Future New Zealand is heading, to achieve the results we so eagerly proclaim,” conclude Mr Dunne and Mr Walton.

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