Moira Coatsworth
President of the New Zealand Labour Party

27 February 2012

Labour Party President kicks off organisational review with a nationwide tour

The Labour Party's post-election organisational review will get under way with a nationwide schedule of meetings starting next week.

“We have been working hard to establish a process that is evidence based and open. We are looking carefully at trends here and in our sister parties internationally. Now we are encouraging every member of our party to have their say to ensure the Labour Party is a modern and effective organisation,” Labour Party President Moira Coatsworth said today.

“I undertook at last year's Annual Congress to lead the Review after the election and it is clear that a proper review is needed if we are to revitalize the party ready for government in 2014.

“We want to hear ideas from our party members and supporters nationwide. During March we will be holding 18 meetings throughout the country to hear members’ views on how we modernise and strengthen Labour’s organisation."

“Members who can’t make it to one of our meetings will be able to submit their ideas online, by email or post. Supporters and interested members of the public are also welcome to submit their ideas through these mechanisms as well.

“After the consultations in March a discussion paper will be developed for regional conferences in June. Major changes will then be dealt with at our Annual Conference in November.

“This review combines evidence, strong member and supporter input and robust external advice. It is an important start to ensuring we are organised from the grassroots up to win back government in 2014,” Moira Coatsworth said today.

Labour’s Organisational Review

Objective

To identify and implement key changes that lead to an effective, modernised Labour Party organisation. This means an organisation that is:
• Open, energised and connected to our diverse communities throughout New Zealand and leading on progressive issues
• Well-resourced with money, members and supporters
• Organising effectively to win

Review Scope

Broad scope for open consultation that includes enhancing:
• Party organisation and processes
• Campaigning
• Role of members, supporters and MPs
• Party communications
• Policy process
• Fundraising and finance

Project Structure Sponsors
Moira Coatsworth and David Shearer

Critical friends/advisory group
The Advisory Group provides critical comment and advice at key points, individually or together as a reference group. It includes Parekura Horomia, Margaret Wilson, Bryan Gould, Tim Barnett, Selwyn Pellet, Rob Salmond. We will be receiving advice from other international groups throughout the process.

Project Team
The Project Team will lead the review process. The members of the group are Nanaia Mahuta, Rick Barker, Ruth Chapman and Mark Hutchinson.

Important Dates

March
First nationwide consultation held – regional meetings and online or paper responses

May/June
Discussion paper developed. It goes to regional conferences for the second round of consultation.

July
Review report is written and considered by the Advisory Group and NZ Council

July/November
Major recommendations and rule changes are circulated and go to Annual Conference

ENDS

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