‘Green Party’

Press, 28 January 1988, Page 40

‘Green Party’

Sir, —The “Broad Left” is moving to introduce a “Green Party” into New Zealand politics. Its purpose is not to win seats, but to hold the balance of power in favour of socialists. The "Broad Left” factions include: the anti-apartheid, anti-colonial, anti-nuclear, child abuse/incest, conservationist, environmentalist, feminist, racist, support group and peace movement networks, et al. A recent news release indicated that the “Green Party” would be formed in or about April, 1988. However, the intention was signalled before the last election. Mr Erich Geiringer, writing for student union newspapers under the heading of “Peace Vote” (“Canta,” August 3), said the peace movement intended to form a political party to hold the balance of power. As a matter of interest, Mr Geiringer described the anti-nuclear legislation as “phoney.” Now, here is the point: The Green Party may be expected to take 4 to 30 per cent of the vote; the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform recommends State funding for such a party. Anyone opposed to State financing of the "Broad Left,” or indeed the “Broad Right,” should oppose State financing before submissions to the Royal Commission close on January 31, 1988.— Yours, etc., SUE HUNT. January 24, 1988.