Wellington, New Zealand – Aotearoa is facing a growing concern: the rise of oligarchy, a system where a small elite group of wealthy individuals and corporations wield disproportionate influence over our political and economic systems. While this phenomenon has gained global attention, it’s a reality that’s increasingly impacting New Zealand. Globally, the richest 1% now control more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity combined. This extreme concentration of wealth has given billionaires and mega-corporations the power to shape global rules to serve their interests, often at the expense of the broader population.
Their influence extends to critical areas such as tax policies, climate action, and public health responses. Here in Aotearoa, the influence of wealthy individuals and corporations is becoming more evident. Our economic landscape is dominated by a few powerful entities that have significant sway over policy decisions. This concentration of power raises concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the ability of ordinary citizens to have their voices heard.
The wealth gap between the richest and the rest of us is widening. The wealthiest Kiwis are enjoying unprecedented financial security, while many struggle to make ends meet. This disparity is made worse by policies that favour the wealthy, like tax breaks and subsidies for big corporations. The government has restored the ability for real estate companies to deduct interest costs on their mortgages against rental income, a policy that was phased out by the previous Labour government.
This move, costing the government $360 million, came alongside budget cuts and the layoff of over 6000 government employees. The political influence of the wealthy is a growing concern. Powerful individuals and corporations are using their money to influence policy decisions, often in ways that benefit them at the expense of the majority. This undermines the democratic process and can lead to policies that don’t reflect the will of the people.
Several figures in Aotearoa’s political landscape have connections to powerful entities, raising questions about potential influence:
David Seymour, leader of the ACT Party, has a long-standing connection to the New Zealand Initiative, a think tank that emerged from the Business Roundtable. The ACT Party itself was founded by figures closely linked to the Business Roundtable, and the party has consistently championed neoliberal economic policies that often align with the interests of the business community. Seymour is also affiliated with the Atlas Network, working for a subsidiary, Frontier Centre For Public Policy, based in Canada.
Casey Costello, a member of the New Zealand First party, has been involved with Hobson’s Pledge, a right-wing lobby group that challenges some constitutional powers of the Treaty of Waitangi. Costello has also been the chair of the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, which is part of the Atlas Network.
Nicole McKee, before entering Parliament, was a prominent voice in the gun lobby and has continued to advocate for gun owners’ rights as a member of the ACT Party.
The phrase “Māori elite” is often used to distract from the real power players who control society. It paints a picture of a nefarious group of indigenous people who have unfairly enriched themselves through redress for past injustices, like the theft of land by the crown. This narrative conveniently overlooks the genuine elites, those who consistently appear on the NBR Rich List, and their significant influence on our economy and political landscape. It’s a tactic designed to shift focus away from the true power structures that maintain inequality and privilege.
The Taxpayers’ Union, a group known for its biased advocacy against left wing government spending, has been linked to the Atlas Network, a global network of free-market think tanks. This connection raises concerns about the potential influence of the Atlas Network on the Taxpayers’ Union’s activities in Aotearoa. The Taxpayers’ Union’s involvement in the STOP 3 Waters campaign, alongside its ties to the Atlas Network, suggests a broader agenda that goes beyond simply advocating for lower taxes.
Our nation faces critical challenges that demand bold action. To build a just and prosperous society, we must strengthen democratic institutions through transparency and campaign finance reform, promote economic equity through a progressive tax system and a living wage, empower Indigenous communities by upholding the Treaty of Waitangi and addressing historical injustices, strengthen civil society through active political participation and independent media, address corruption through strong anti-corruption laws and whistleblower protection, and finally, promote social justice by ensuring access to quality education and healthcare for all while tackling the housing crisis. This comprehensive agenda requires a commitment to fundamental values and a collective effort to build a nation that lives up to its ideals.
By taking these steps, Aotearoa can work towards a more equitable and democratic society where power and wealth are not concentrated in the hands of a few, but are shared more fairly among all its people.
