Kakapo- photo / Birds online
The New Zealand Parliament has witnessed a sharp decline in civility, with members of the governing coalition engaging in heated exchanges and personal attacks.
Observers are concerned that the increasingly hostile environment is undermining the quality of debate and eroding public trust in political institutions.
The latest flare-up occurred during a debate on the government’s proposed tax reforms, with members of National Act and New Zealand First trading barbs and accusations. One National Act MP was seen shaking his fist at a New Zealand First colleague, while another member of the coalition was accused of spreading misinformation about the opposition’s stance on the issue.
“It’s deeply concerning to see the level of personal vitriol and disrespect that has become commonplace in Parliament,” said political analyst Dr. Sarah Jones. “It seems like every debate devolves into a shouting match, with little regard for the principles of respectful discourse.”
The coalition government, formed by National, Act and New Zealand First, has been plagued by internal tensions since its inception. The three parties hold starkly contrasting views on a range of issues, leading to frequent clashes and a more adversarial tone in parliamentary debates.
“The coalition’s fragile nature seems to be fueling this aggressive behaviour,” said Jones. “Politicians are resorting to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric to maintain their positions and gain an advantage over their rivals.”
However, this fragile coexistence, is looking more like an unruly threesome than a coalition. They’ve become entitled, trantrum manic, and abusive. The wife and the mistress are acting like they’re the husband. Whilst the husband is too afraid to keep either of them in check.
The public is increasingly disillusioned with the current state of Parliament. A recent poll found that only 35% of New Zealanders believe that politicians are honest and trustworthy.
Under this current climate, the honesty, and trustworthyness of a politician can be defined from two positions. They either fly like the Kārearea, or they walk like the Kakapo. The Kārearea flies straight and true, whilst the Kakapo walks. It can’t fly because it’s too full of kaka, hence the name K-a-k-a-p-o.
The decline in civility within Parliament raises serious concerns about the future of democratic processes in New Zealand. If the current trend continues, there is a risk that the institution will lose its credibility and its ability to effectively govern.
– Is this the kind of political environment we want for our future?
– How can we hold our elected officials accountable for their behavior and encourage a more civil political culture?
Reference:
NZ Birds Online. (2024). Kakapo. Retrieved: https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/kakapo
