Monday, 20 November 2006, 2:32 pm Press Release: Green Party
20 November 2006
Listen to the Tongan democracy
movement
The New Zealand Government should take note of
concerns that the presence of New Zealand troops in Tonga
could be seen to strengthen the hand of the monarchy, Green
MP Keith Locke warns.
Leaders of Tonga's democracy
movement have expressed concerns that Australian and New
Zealand troops in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa could in
practice reinforce the political system that caused unrest
in the first place. Meanwhile, the New Zealand joint defence
force commander in Tonga says troops are likely to increase
their presence.
"The most useful contribution New Zealand
could make to law and order in Tonga would be to push the
King's government to uphold the agreement reached just
before the riot broke out for 21 of Tonga's 30 MPs to be
democratically elected," Mr Locke says.
"We should also
support the democracy movement's call for a new interim
government, pending next year's election under new rules.
The present government does not have the support of the
majority of the people.
"If we take the side of the
people, rather than the regime, there will be little need
for New Zealand troops to stay. The riot was a result of
frustration with the slow pace of change, and is unlikely to
be repeated if people see that democracy is truly around the
corner," Mr Locke
says.
If you're using Scoop for work, your organisation needs to pay a small license fee with Scoop Pro. We think that's fair, because your organisation is benefiting from using our news resources. In return, we'll also give your team access to pro news tools and keep Scoop free for personal use, because public access to news is important!
Winston Peters is routinely described as the kingmaker who decides whether the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded, but equally important role as the scapegoat who can be blamed for killing taxes that his senior partners never much wanted in the first place. Neither Ardern nor Robertson for example, really wanted a capital gains tax, for fear of Labour copping the “tax and spend“ label they ended up being saddled with anyway. Usefully though, they could tell the party faithful it was wicked old Winston who killed the CGT... More
The National Party claims the new coalition government will be stable, effective, and will deliver for all Kiwis. "Despite the challenging economic environment, New Zealanders can look forward to a better future because of the changes the new Government will make ... We know that, with the right leadership, the right policies, and the right direction, together New Zealanders can make this an even better country," says Christopher Luxon... More
“The new Government’s plan to expand oil and gas exploration is as dangerous as it is unscientific. Whatever you think about the new government, there is simply no mandate to trash the climate. We need to come together to stop them,” says James Shaw. More
MFAT's decision to remove te reo from correspondence before new Ministers are sworn in risks undermining the important progress the public sector has made in honouring te Tiriti. "We are very disappointed in what is a backward decision - it simply seems to be a Ministry bowing to the racist rhetoric we heard on the election campaign trail," says Marcia Puru. More
Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Green Party: Petition To Save Oil & Gas Ban
PSA: MFAT Must Reverse Decision To Remove Te Reo
