Opinion: The Rise of Centrism: What Does The Opportunity Party Really Stand For?

Lauren Morley

The Opportunity Party (previously known as TOP) is, for the fourth election in a row, braving the ever changing political landscape. Free from ideology and rhetoric, Opportunity is campaigning to be the next kingmaker, and the bridge builders our parliament so desperately needs. 

Since their recent rise in the polls, Opportunity has become subject to a wide range of scrutiny. Interestingly, their criticisms have been quite contradictory. The left-wing parties claim that Opportunity is right-winged, and the right-wing parties claim that they are left-winged. This phenomenon is causing some serious confusion and what can only be described as close-minded attacks. 

In 1996, New Zealand voted to adopt a unique parliamentary system. Our MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) system was designed to encourage major and minor parties to work together, each bringing their voter bases unique views to the table. Individuals supposedly had the option to give their vote to a party who more directly aligned with their personal views without it going to waste. However, it now feels as though our MMP system has turned back into a FPP (First Past the Post) one. The left bloc and the right bloc have become so stubborn in their views that they refuse to work with anyone from the “other side” regardless of how well they have polled. A vote for Labour is automatically a vote for the Greens and Te Pati Maori, and a vote for National is automatically a vote for ACT and New Zealand First. 

Is it possible that over the years, good policy has come out of both the left and right parties? I certainly think so, and so does Opportunity. Since the beginning of New Zealand politics as we know it, National has been in power 54% of the time, and Labour 46%. The hard truth is, no matter which side you support, the other will be in power approximately half of the time. It feels as though every time one government gets voted out, the other comes in and spends most of their time un-doing the previous government’s policies. On top of this, the behaviour of our parliamentarians is seemingly becoming more and more juvenile. Attacks in the media, AI instagram reels, and heckles shouted across parliament. Question time now feels more like watching a comedy show than a genuine debate or attempt to hold the government to account. Not only does this waste a huge amount of time and money, but it continuously destabilises Kiwi’s everyday lives. The government would be far more successful and efficient if they simply consulted and compromised in a bipartisan way when putting legislation in place. 

In the international climate of Trumpism, social media, and misinformation, we are seeing an unprecedented level of political division across the world. When it comes to politics, it feels as if people have lost the ability to think with nuance. People can only see left versus right, or, good versus bad. It is clear that New Zealand is falling victim to this partisan way of thinking too, and it is only hindering our ability to move forward. So how do we solve this issue? 

Believe it or not, it was not too long ago that the so called left and right blocs worked together in government. John Key’s National government of 2008 to 2017 entered into a confidence and supply agreement with Te Pati Maori, and worked cross party with the Greens on issues such as home insulation, energy, and cycleways. These parties of the time could recognise each other's strengths and continued to debate their differences.

The Opportunity party famously does not position itself as a left or right wing party, and there are two main reasons for this. The first, is that they believe the left/right rhetoric is outdated and actually means very little. The second, is that Opportunity is willing to go into government with either National or Labour along with other coalition partners. Many criticise this stance as weak, but what is weak about standing up for what you believe in no matter the opponent? A willingness to work with those you disagree with should only be viewed as a strength. 

Opportunity’s policy committee is composed of people who have worked across business, sustainability, and government. Their policies are thoroughly researched, evidence based, and reviewed by outside experts. Their signature teal colour represents their blue/green values; a healthy environment, and a thriving economy. They believe that one cannot exist without the other. 

Their environmental policies encompass bold ideas and long term planning. Currently, only 0.5% of New Zealand’s oceans are protected as marine reserves. Opportunity’s policy would see this jump to 30% by 2035, and put an end to seabed mining, and bottom trawling. 

Their abundant energy policy wants to see New Zealand less reliant on fossil fuels, and instead utilise our incredible solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal resources. This would bring down energy prices for everyday Kiwis and create thousands of high skilled jobs in the energy sector. 

In order to boost the local economy they want to invest in New Zealand’s innovative strengths. More funding into science and research, forgiving student loans for Kiwi’s who return from overseas, and funding budgeting services for small businesses. 

Opportunity believes in strengthening our democracy. Their citizens voice policy would see the implementation of citizens assemblies. Think jury duty but for policy making. This brings everyday Kiwis to the heart of decision making when it comes to the tricky issues that really impact them. Schools, hospitals, and transport systems - these are the kinds of issues Kiwi’s should have a direct say on. 

On top of the environment and the economy, Opportunity’s policies show their strong advocacy for people too. Their tax reset policy encompasses many things, but the most significant is their Citizens Income, which is commonly known as a UBI (Universal Basic Income). UBIs are often seen as a far left radical idea. Welfare for everyone. That can't be affordable right? In reality, it just makes sense. 

Opportunity’s UBI would see all Kiwis over the age of 18 receive $370 a week, no application, no forms, and no means testing. This would be paid for through a land value tax. A land value tax focuses on taxing property, meaning the more property a person owns, the more they will pay in tax. For centuries, Kiwi’s have been pushed to invest their money in property, but if that money were invested in the productive economy, housing prices will drop and home ownership becomes more attainable for young people. For those who still choose to invest in property, the land value tax does something a capital gains tax doesn’t. Because land owners will not be taxed on the improvements of their property, they are incentivised to build density. The more houses or units on the land, the easier it is to pay the tax. This will mean more housing and a drop in rental prices. 

Many would argue that giving money away to New Zealand’s wealthiest citizens is unfair, but don’t worry, this isn’t another tax break for landlords. In reality, New Zealand’s wealthiest will be paying far more back in tax through their properties and an adjustment to the income tax brackets.

Opportunity predicts that if their system were implemented, the bottom 70% of Kiwi’s would be better off, 20% would be net neutral, and the top 10% would pay more. The simplicity of a UBI and land tax system leaves almost zero loopholes for our wealthiest to get around. Unlike a wealth tax, you can’t just put your money in a trust to get out of it. It would also save millions of dollars worth of administration inside our welfare system, leaving more money to go into the things that actually make a difference. 

Considering they are only just polling around the 5% threshold, Opportunity recognises that if they were able to enter into coalition negotiations come November, the likelihood of all of their policies getting across the line is slim. However, they are committed to their morals and would not enter into an agreement that would compromise any of their bottom lines, even if that means taking a place in opposition. 

The most impactful thing Opportunity is committed to, is bringing about meaningful, long-term change by encouraging our biggest parties to work together constructively. Our current world is so deeply divided by politics, and many of us are too young to know that it hasn’t always been this way. 

Political rhetoric is the enemy of meaningful change. We should expect better.