Party backs Forces

Press, 28 July 1987, Page 3

Party backs Forces

An acceptance of the need for the Armed Forces in the New Zealand Party manifesto marks a radical rethinking of the policies it presented in 1984.

The party’s leader, Stephen Greenfield, said the party now rejects the concept of doing away with the Armed Forces.

“We don’t accept that as being valid, unfortunately, because of the state of the world. Our emphasis on defence is still on prevention rather than cure.”

The 21-page manifesto, released yesterday, also includes a commitment to reintroduce compulsory national service of six months for all young New Zealanders. Mr Greenfield said this would involve only military training on a voluntary basis. *

“We see it as a sort of national development training period which will have the discipline element in it in terms of ensuring everybody is there.”

It could also provide an opportunity to pick up on skills, he said. The New Zealand Party reaffirmed its opposition to nucleararmed ship visits. It also wants New Zealand to withdraw from

A.NXU J, and to attempt to replace the alliance with a non-nuclear treaty with South Pacific nations.

Education again features strongly and there is a renewed call for proportional, representation. A massive reduction in Government spending is promised. The national superannuation surtax would be removed but people over 60 years who continue to work full-time would not receive the benefit

Earnings up to $12,090 would be tax-free for all individuals, then a flat tax rate of 30 per cent would apply.

Mr Greenfield would not agree that the New Zealand Party had no hope of success in the August 15 election. He said it was getting a good response from voters and other parties would pick up on some of its policies.

“That’s a useful thing in its own right.”