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Becoming a sustaining subscriber Table of

Subscriptions to Fightback are avail- able for $20 a year, this covers the costs Contents of printing and postage. At present the writing, proof reading, layout, and 3 Editorial distribution is all done on a volun- teer basis. To make this publication 4 National and its right wing friends sustainable long term we are asking for people to consider becoming ‘Sustain- 7 The politics, not the dirt is the problem ing subscribers’ by pledging a monthly amount to Fightback (suggested $10). 8 Whale Oil leaks: Anti-politics from above Sustaining subscribers will be send a free copy of each of our pamphlets to 12 Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic? thank them for their extra support. To start your sustaining subscription set The Labour Party and MANA up an automatic payment to 38-9002- 0817250-00 with your name in the 14 Hone Harawira: Burning the flag or accepting particulars and ‘Sustain’ in the code the evil and email your name and address to [email protected] 15 Regional Joint Statement

15 New Zealand state’s quandary in the Asia- Pacific

18 Unite against poverty wages and zero-hour Get Fightback contracts: An interview with Heleyni Pratley each month 19 Elections and migrant-bashing: Full rights for Within NZ: $20 for one year (11 issues) migrant workers or $40 for two years (22 issues) Rest of the World: $40 for one year or 21 Miriam Pierard of the Internet Party: “Speak- $80 for two years ing the language of youth” Send details and payments to: Fightback, PO Box 10282 27 Coalition governments and real change Dominion Rd, Auckland or Bank transfer: 38-9002-0817250-01 Donations and bequeathments Fightback is non-profit and relies on financial support from progressive people, supporters and members for all its activities including producing this magazine. To financially support us please deposit to 38-9002-0817250-01 with your initials and surname (or anony- mous.) Large and small, regular and one-off donations are all appreciated and listed inFightback from time to time. Fightback magazine is now in its 20th year as we continue the long-term fight for socialism. Readers and supporters may consider re- membering us in their will with assets or money that will help the struggle in the long-term. If this is you please put in your will ‘Fight- back, PO Box 10-282, Dominion Road, Auckland’ as well as what you would like to leave to us.

2 Fightback Issue 5 2014 Editorial

This special, expanded election conservative parties. Cameron edition of Fightback magazine Slater is explicitly quoted in the comes at what seems to be a turn- book as saying that, if MMP stays About ing point in the 2014 election. The and the small parties of the Right shockwaves from Dirty Politics, fall out of Parliament, “National Fightback Nicky Hager’s exposé of the pos- is f**ked”. Byron Clark looks at sibly corrupt relations between the centre-right as a whole and National Party cabinet minis- examines its prospects. Under our current system, democracy ters and the tabloid attack blog What is the alternative, though? consists of a vote every 3 years. Most “Whale Oil”, are still reverberating. As Ian Anderson ably explains in of our lives are lived under dictator- Labour and the left opposition his article, Labour offers a kinder, ship, the dictatorship of bosses and parties want answers; John Key gentler face to the same old man- WINZ case managers. Fightback is stonewalling, and even the agement of neo-liberalism. While stands for a system in which our conservative press seem to realise Labour no longer shuns the Green workplaces, our schools, our universi- something has gone wrong. Party, this can only be because the ties are run democratically, for social Daphne Lawless’ contribution dis- Greens themselves have moved need rather than private profit. cusses this in terms of “anti-poli- inside the “big tent” of accepting Fightback participates in the MANA Editorial tics from above” in New Zealand neoliberal corporate politics – the Movement, whose stated mission is – a neoliberal-inspired political left wing of the establishment, the to bring “rangatiratanga to the poor, strategy to use smear and nega- party of comfortable but socially the powerless and the dispossessed.” tivity to demoralise activists and conscious small business and suc- Capitalism was imposed in Aotearoa deliberately depress voting turnout. cessful professionals. through colonisation, and the fight Ben Peterson takes on the same is- So under what circumstances for indigenous self-determination is sue as an attempted undermining can a socialist organisation like intimately connected with the fight of democracy itself. National lost Fightback – pushing for a funda- for an egalitarian society. We also under Don Brash in 2005 because mental transformation of relations maintain an independent Marxist he allowed the naked, nasty face of of work, production and power organisation outside of parliament, to neoliberalism to assert itself. The throughout society – support an offer a vision of a world beyond the project goes much more smoothly alliance of the tino rangatiratanga parliamentary capitalist system. under John Key, the “relaxed” and / broad left MANA movement Fightback stands against all forms of cheerful frontman, who plays at with the upstart Internet Party, oppression. We believe working-class being an “ordinary bloke” who just founded by a German millionaire power, the struggle of the majority happened to make $50 million in with an outlandish personality? for self-determination, is the basis currency speculation. Meanwhile, Fightback works within MANA for ending all forms of oppression. big corporates dictate policy, and because of its commitment to rep- However, we also recognise that daily cronies and friends like Cameron resent te pani me te rawakore [the inequities such as sexism must be Slater and Jason Ede play the poor and the dispossessed]. We addressed here and now, not just after politics of personal destruction. are able to keep working because the revolution. Will Hager’s revelation of the na- it is a democratic party – when the Fightback is embedded in a range of ked face of attack politics behind leadership is wrong, it is willing struggles on the ground; including National’s carefully bland façade to listen to activists; and because building a fighting trade union move- damage their prospects for a third no real change in Aotearoa-New ment, movements for gender and term? A lot depends on the other cont. p4 sexual liberation, and anti-racism. Fightback also publishes a monthly magazine, and a website, to offer Coordinating Editors Layout: a socialist perspective on ongoing Daphne Lawless, Ian Joel Cosgrove struggles. Anderson Assisting Editors Monthly magazine published Fightback stands for struggle, solidar- Proofing/Content Wei Sun, Kelly Pope, by: Fightback ity and socialism. Bronwen Beechey Grant Brookes, Byron Fightback Issue 6 2014, Vol.2, No 6, Issue No 15 Clark, Thomas Roud

Fightback Issue 5 2014 3 Editorial/National politics

Editorial cont. in this issue. While not attracted to a MANA alliance aims at complementary “traditional” socialist programme, these audiences with the same vision seen Zealand is possible without the most young people – according to Pierard from two perspectives. With current intimate involvement of the tangata – have a strong belief in civil liberties, polls showing five MPs to be elected whenua. social equality, freedom of information from this alliance, this is the best chance But to some degree MANA repre- and an antipathy to corporate power. since the 1990s for those excluded from sents “traditional” constituencies for Traditional politics has had nothing to the “rock-star” neoliberal economy to the radical left. The Internet Party, in say to them until now. vote for an alternative. Fightback en- contrast, aims at the young and the It is precisely the Internet Party and courages all readers to take that chance. wired. Although funded by Kim Dot- MANA Movement’s constituencies com, the party is led by activists of the which the strategy of Whale Oil and his traditional social-democratic Left such co-thinkers want to keep out of politics as leader Laila Harré, and kept moving altogether. They want electoral choice by younger activists such as Miriam restricted to, at the extreme, the now Pierard, who is interviewed extensively rather tame Green Party. The Internet-

National and its right wing friends

by Byron Clark, Fightback. up as many as 15% of respondents. At of its leader and candidates. National the last election, the number who didn’t has very little to campaign on, as much vote was even higher. In 2011, just over of government policy is a holdover from National today appears to be seeing a a third of the population voted for Na- the previous Labour government, which level of popularity unheard of in the tional, a quarter didn’t vote at all. in turn did little to reverse the neolib- MMP era. But behind the polls, the The party has barely campaigned, be- eral economic reforms of the 80s and reality is much more mundane. Most yond some tough-on-gangs murmuring, the 90s. political polls exclude undecided voters the meaningless #teamkey hashtag and The changes National has made are and those planning not to cast a ballot, the usual billboards featuring the faces hardly vote winners - further erosions yet these groups can occasionally make 4 Fightback Issue 5 2014 National politics of work rights, including such basic following Israel’s latest bombing in for Maori and National was for “eve- rights as meal breaks, attacks on civil Gaza, and within a fortnight the Green ryone.” Of course, the campaign was liberties though granting more powers Party had echoed the call. The issue is targeting just one ethnic group - Pakeha. to the GCSB, and opening up protected now on the agenda. Small but signifi- National would not go in for that rheto- areas for mining and drilling. Added cant victories like this make giving a ric today, if for no other reason than the to that is the deeply unpopular asset tick to Internet-MANA on election day fact that it would seem hollow in light sales program, which triggered a citizen a worthwhile action. of its arrangement with the Maori Party, initiated referendum. National has also National evidently recognises this but the Maori Party is set to leave par- made cuts in education, social welfare threat, as Internet-MANA is engaging liament (largely due to the stellar efforts and ACC - the latter of which they previous non-voters with social media, of MANA’s Annette Sykes who is chal- reneged on somewhat after an effective the ‘party party’ events, and packed-out lenging Te Ururoa Flavell in Waiariki.) campaign to restore funding for sexual meetings across the country. As a result National has indicated it would like abuse survivors. John Key has been pouring scorn over voters in Epsom to elect ACT’s David National plans to win this election Internet-MANA to a much greater de- Seymour, and ACT has no qualms through inertia, hoping that enough gree than he has toward any other party. about playing the race card. people will be too disillusioned or Recently Key made the sexist statement disinterested to turn up at the polling that Kim Dotcom was a “sugar daddy” ACT booth. It’s a reasonable strategy - when to Laila Harre. The Oxford English the past three decades have seen little Dictionary defines a sugar daddy as “a With the election of philosopher Jamie difference between National-led and rich older man who lavishes gifts on a Whyte as leader, and the merger-in-all- Labour-led governments, why bother young woman in return for her com- but-name with the Libertarianz (former when the outcome is going to be one of pany or sexual favours”. leaders now hold high list positions the two? Among the 35% or so of the voting-age in ACT) the party once known as the A change in government could be quite population that support National, some Association of Consumers and Taxpay- significant this year though. Labour are no doubt better off under a National ers looks set to become a doctrinaire has previously shunned the Green led government. Tax cuts for the rich libertarian party - with poll results to Party. Last time it was in government are only a bad thing if you’re not rich, match: in one poll they were equalled by it aligned with parties to its right - NZ and a few people are. That said, National the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party, First and current National partner Peter could not survive if it didn’t achieve an organisation promoting the one lib- Dunne - but the Greens have grown a level of support from some of the ertarian policy the majority of the public their support over the past decade and working class. John Key’s image plays actually agrees with. can’t be ruled out. Of course, Labour to a type of identity politics. While he Perhaps this is why Jamie Whyte’s has already stated it expects to rely on refuses to appear in front of the no- conference speech was light on ideol- votes from National to pass legisla- holds-barred interviewers of Radio New ogy and instead focused on anti-Maori tion the Green Party would oppose on Zealand, he is a regular guest on sports populism. According to former ACT on environmental grounds, so the presence radio and talkback stations. Key has cre- Campus vice president Guy McCullum, of Green MP’s at the cabinet table is ated an affinity with a number of male Whyte told a small gathering of ACT unlikely to be a shock to the system. voters, the sort of people who praised supporters in Dunedin on the morn- The major challenge to the status quo him for his “not all men” response to ing of 20 July that he was in search of a comes from Internet-MANA. While Labour leader David Cunliffe’s speech “stunt … because you know, the polls.” Labour has ruled out having them in on domestic violence at Women’s That stunt came in the form of the government, the electoral alliance Refuge. He’s not losing any votes from bizarre allegation that Maori occupy a between the MANA Movement and that part of his base by standing by his similar social position to the aristocracy the Internet Party have been clear from “sugar daddy” comment either. in pre-revolutionary France. “ACT’s the start that a vote for them is a vote to Identity politics is nothing new for policies are about reminding you of change the government. Last term La- National. Under the leadership of Don scary burglars, zealous bureaucrats with bour adopted MANA’s “Feed the Kids” Brash, the party went from their worst a hidden green agenda, and resentful bill. Voting on the bill has been delayed election result in history to a near win Maori...This is the imagery the vague until after the election, meaning a in 2005 after a campaign full of rhetoric words are designed to create. Liberals change in government will set it passed. about Maori privilege, ‘”one law for all’” and libertarians are getting a rough deal MANA was the first party to call for and the infamous Iwi/Kiwi advertising from ACT” McCallum, who resigned the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador campaign - implying that Labour was from ACT following the speech, told

Fightback Issue 5 2014 5 National politics

Otago student magazine Critic. number of NZ First policies. National is actually more progressive ACT seems to be confused about what Right now, the party is still a joke, but if than Labour. sort of party it is: libertarian, or con- given an Epsom-style deal in 2017 they In 2011 some commentators argued servative? Perhaps the next parliamen- may need to be taken seriously. For the that returning NZ First to parliament tary term will be the last one ACT is mean time though, the best strategy is would mean a change in government, relevant, and depending on the outcome to keep laughing at them. If you need and a vote for them would be ‘strategic’. in Epsom, they may become irrelevant help, Colin Craig once did a glamour That was wrong then and it’s wrong even sooner. Unfortunately National has photo shoot which is easily found on again now. At best it would mean a another right-appendage waiting in the Google Image Search. centre left bloc in opposition with less wings. Labour MP’s and more NZ First MPs New Zealand First (this is how Richard Prosser ended up The Conservatives getting a platform beyond conspiracy While finding anti-immigrant rhetoric theory magazine Investigate to espouse Colin Craig may be unsure about the not the draw card it once was, NZ First his Islamophobia). At worst, it means historical validity of the moon landing, has spoken against “separatism” and keeping National in power with the but he’s smart enough to see that ACT’s ruled out working with any “race based” help of a party elected in part by pro- disarray, combined with the retirement parties, meaning there are now three gressive voters. of NZ First firebrand Winston Peters parties flogging that dead horse (actu- The best outcome for anyone wanting a (which really can’t be that far away) ally four, if we count the tiny 1Law4All change in government would be for NZ opens up a space for his party. If not party, which managed to register). NZ First to drop below the 5% threshold, this year, then in 2017. As such, The First has some progressive policies, but and the best option for bringing about Conservatives have joined in the attack recent rhetoric has shown they are likely a meaningful change is a party vote for on supposed Maori privilege, using the to support National. For example, one Internet MANA. much more groan-inducing slogan “one of their bottom lines is keeping the law to rule them all” and borrowed a retirement age at 65, a policy where

6 Fightback Issue 5 2014 National politics

The politics, not the dirt is the problem.

by Ben Peterson, Fightback. The politics of Whale Oil the use of his blog and also his con- tacts in government. Not content with Dirty Politics shows that members of undermining the democratic process Key’s staff have actively assisted Slater Nicky Hager’s Dirty Politics just blew and giving voice to corporations, Whale and Whale Oil. Key himself has admit- up the election. The material comes Oil is also an enthusiastic participant ted to being in regular personal contact largely from Cameron Slater’s leaked in attempts to ‘smash’ unions. Unions with Slater. Key may claim a degree of emails, but it covers much more than his are an important institution for work- separation from Whale Oil, but this is personal activity. It outlines the activi- ing people to express their interests. disingenuous. John Key is many things ties of central National Party figures, up Working people don’t have thousands of but he is not stupid. Key and his staff to and including Prime Minister John dollars each month to sponsor their own know full well what Whale Oil stands Key himself. attack blogger. But the real importance of the book is for, but have maintained links with the not in revealing the dirty tactics that blog. The happy marriage of John John Key and company will resort to. Hager’s book outlines the politi- More importantly, it outlines the anti- cal project of Whale Oil. The Whale and Cam democratic and big money interests that Oilers actively and consciously seek to Whale Oil and John Key’s office work drive the National Party. It is not that undermine democracy. Slater and his together hand in glove. Whale Oil runs just these are sleazy politicians. These mates led the campaign against MMP campaigns that National supports, but people ( John Key, Judith ‘Crusher’ Col- (proportional representation) to try can’t be seen to do for fear of a backlash. lins and more) use attack politics to hide and limit space in electoral politics for This degree of separation has meant that their real agendas. progressive voices. The leaked emails John Key has been able to viciously at- show the group has actively sought to Dirty Politics is significant because it tack his enemies and facilitate corporate create an atmosphere that discourages outlines the political project that the interests, while maintaining a cleaner people from voting. If candidates that National Party believes in, but only talks image. about behind closed doors. John Key aren’t to their liking do win an election, John Key presents himself as a reason- and the National Party have cultivated the Whale Oil crew will attempt to able moderate, who is popular with an image of themselves as the respon- blackmail or publicly shame them into regular people and shares their interests. sible moderates. The reality is that he resignation. This is a deliberate untruth. leads a highly ideological government Slater and Whale Oil seek to under- that is committed to furthering business mine democracy so they can magnify This National government wants to interests. Part of this crusade is actively the voices of the big businesses that increase the power of corporate interests supporting the Whale Oil blog and its bankroll their activities. Companies that and undermine the position of everyone politics. pay for Slater to ‘consult’ for them get else. However, they recognise that the Fightback Issue 5 2014 7 National politics

policies they want to implement (like how these politics can be beaten. Dirty Politics shows how National has further asset sales or cutbacks to health actively tried to eliminate any potential and education) are extremely unpopular. How to beat them alternatives to their political project. The They are constrained by the potential election on September 20 will be an democratic power of the public. These right-wing policies are deeply un- important opportunity to demonstrate Thus, to implement their policies, this popular - John Key knows that. That’s how they have failed to do so. In par- potential democratic power must be why he is desperate to be seen as a nice ticular, they are terrified of the MANA marginalised and silenced. Participation guy who likes the rugby and avoids Movement and the Internet Party and in elections must be undermined. MMP, debate. National fear a backlash if their the alternative they represent. which creates space for alternatives true agenda is understood. Dirty Politics These attacks on democracy will not end to be articulated, should be attacked exposes that agenda. with Key out of office. Democracy can where possible. Any political opponent, Hager finishes the book by calling for only function for ordinary people when whether it be Len Brown, Kim Dotcom more resources and greater ethics for ordinary people are actively involved. or the unions, must be destroyed. All journalism. This would be an important New political movements, independent real or potential alternatives to the neo- improvement for public debate, but media and resurgent unions are neces- liberal agenda must be neutralised. journalism is not what scares John Key sary to provide a counter-voice to the The reality of this agenda is important or the right-wing bloggers. corporate interests and their seat warm- to recognise because it also shows us They’re terrified of democracy. ers, online and in government.

Whale Oil leaks: Anti-politics from above

8 Fightback Issue 5 2014 National politics

by Daphne Lawless, Fightback the whole system of media and democ- Personal attack racy is a fraud. Unfortunately, it often Another target of attack blogging is to slides into “conspiracy theory” about personally smear the leaders of op- As we go to press, the election campaign aliens, Jews, or some other bogey being position parties. Dirty Politics tells one has been turned upside down by a new the “real enemy”. book by investigative journalist Nicky farcical story of Slater desperately trying But what we have in Dirty Politics is Hager. Dirty Politics is based mainly on to get video footage of Winston Peters different from the justified disgust of a a leak of eight gigabytes of emails and “drunk” in a Wellington bar. Meanwhile, repeatedly disillusioned mass. Slater’s Facebook messages from “Whale Oil”, Labour leader David Cunliffe has anti-politics is a deliberate strategy used the vicious right-wing scandal-monger- apparently been followed around by op- by the Right to demobilise and demor- ing blog edited by Cameron Slater. eratives who record his every word and alize opponents and potential opponents. action, and put anything vaguely embar- The book lays out convincing evidence Simon Lusk, a National Party strategist rassing online for use against him. The that leading figures in the National and a close collaborator of Slater, argues book even describes associates of Whale Government – including Justice in a strategy document previously Oil putting embarrassing information Minister Judith Collins and staff in leaked but reprinted in the book that on Wikipedia about Labour MPs’ sex the office of Prime Minister John Key left-wing activists can be best “demor- lives. – have actively worked with Whale Oil alised”, and their voters demotivated, by Slater’s buddies apparently gave him and other right-wing blogs to conduct personal attacks on their leaders rather the admiring nickname of “The Rush personal smear campaigns on Labour than dealing with their politics. and other opposition parties, including Limbaugh of New Zealand politics”. So the strategy is: get some mud to Internet Party founder Kim Dotcom. But Limbaugh – an nasty right-wing stick to an activist or politician in the Nicky Hager is himself presented as radio host in the US – is perhaps a news, get people believing “they’re all one of the targets – another right-wing less appropriate parallel than Andrew the same, politics is too dirty, best not blogger, according to the book, tried Breitbart, the recently deceased founder to get involved”. And of course that’s to pass on Hager’s personal details to of the Big Government blog and its as- what John Key is doing right now, angry Chinese billionaires. sociated websites. repeating that Hager is a “screaming Breitbart’s websites have become notori- But it’s crucial to identify the real prob- left-wing conspiracy theorist”, whether ous for exactly the kind of personalised lem. Hager is not saying there is any- those words make any sense or not. And attacks based on misleading evidence thing wrong about the National Party National have been doing this since which Slater is bringing into play in feeding information to friendly blogs. before Whale Oil became a household New Zealand. For example, in 2011 Certainly, this is something “they all do”. name – for example, when cabinet min- they forced the resignation of Shirley The “dirt” in Dirty Politics is the reli- ister Paula Bennett released personal Sherrod, an African-American agri- ance on personal attack, vilification and information to try to discredit protest- culture civil servant, after publishing smear. When Cameron Slater declares ing welfare beneficiaries. that he wants evidence of “[opposition a video of her deceptively edited to Dirty Politics recounts Slater’s role in MPs] Andrew Williams or Winston make it look like she was biased against whipping up manufactured political Peters drunk… [Auckland mayor] Len whites. Sherrod is currently suing the controversies – like how many times Brown rooting in brothels”, he is in fact Breitbart websites. But probably the various politicians visited Kim Dotcom’s practising a kind of “anti-politics from people at fault in that case were the mansion – which effectively distracted above”. Obama administration themselves, who attention from policy debate or scrutiny dumped Sherrod without a proper on the Government. More recently, investigation for fear of this right-wing “They’re all the same…” – Slater has smeared Dotcom as a “Nazi” attack blogging. really? who hates John Key for being Jewish The book also discusses how Slater turns and Hollywood corporates for being his filth-cannon against enemies in the “Anti-politics” is a term which has been “run by Jews”. If the purpose of attack- National Party – such as people who get used for an attitude which has arisen in blog anti-politics is to make people quit in the way of Simon Lusk’s grand plan many protest movements. It’s summed and disengage from activism, then it to get hard-right candidates selected up in the slogan from Argentina, ¡que makes sense that the German million- for safe rural seats. Once this is done, se vayán todos! (Get rid of them all!) It’s aire, who is attempting to rally a new Whale Oil publishes an “utu post” – cynicism that electoral politics can do constituency to electoral politics via the more or less an explanation of how the any good; it’s the idea that all politicians Internet Party, should be a major target. lie, that all movements are corrupt, that victory was carried out, and advertising

Fightback Issue 5 2014 9 National politics

for political hopefuls to become “clients” [with them]”, or – worse – “a bullet in But there’s also the problem of what of himself or Lusk. the head” of an MFAT public servant Americans call “the Beltway”. Many of who was (wrongly) identified by Judith the commentators who are now saying Smears for sale Collins as the source of some embar- “but we knew all this already” probably rassing leak. did know it already, although only now But Slater isn’t just a political activist – Thus, Hager’s book lays out a well- is the evidence in the public domain. he makes his living by doing the same thought-out scheme by Slater and But the general public does not know this. job for corporate PR merchants. Cor- other right-wing bloggers to actually It has not been publicised or printed. porate lobbyists, including the son of a prevent substantive political debate; to It’s only been swapped as gossip among former National cabinet minister, have drive voters away from all politics and “political insiders”, press, PR flacks and paid Slater thousands to publish, under activists away from fighting corporate party hacks, who think it’s normal be- his own name, personal attacks on their malfeasance. Personalised attacks de- cause they make a good living from it. targets. So, activists for plain packag- moralise their targets (especially when Cameron Slater is successful because ing tobacco are targeted by cigarette the commenters add death threats) and he has realised a simple truth, which is companies. An association of cleaning evoke uncertainty among their support- quoted elsewhere in the book as com- services who had signed a union con- ers. No-one wants to deal with the “mad ing from the US Young Republicans: tract were mercilessly attacked to break dogs” who inhabit the comments of “Reporters are lazy and ill-informed.” Or them up. Maritime Union leaders had Whale Oil or Kiwiblog on a daily basis. – to put it kindly – reporters are under- their details leaked to Slater by Ports of Slater and his mates want you to think resourced and under intense pressure Auckland; and anti-obesity campaigners that all politics and activism is dirty and from their employers to provide copy are smeared and belittled by the Food everyone trying to change things is a quickly and cheaply. and Grocery Council. By a staggering venal scumbag. Then you won’t bother It’s much easier to chase up a “hint” coincidence, the latter is also headed by their mates and paymasters any more. from Whale Oil – or Kiwiblog – than it a former National cabinet minister. is to do investigative reporting. It’s fair The process of public vilification of Pollies, journos and bloggers to suggest that those journos who are those targeted by paying customers – you scratch my back… dismissing Hager’s book enjoy having is helped by Whale Oil’s regular blog someone like Slater around to do the commentators. If Whale Oil is the The mainstream media have taken dirty work. They can then say they’re National Party’s attack dog, then the diametrically opposing attitudes so far. “just asking questions” – those questions comments section is Whale Oil’s private Some, like John Armstrong or Fran having been fed to them by political or school of piranhas. Slater’s personal O’Sullivan – usually reliable National corporate bigwigs, via the attack blogs attacks do not usually extend to death supporters – have declared themselves – as they make a good living cosying up threats and stalking – these come out of shocked by the information and firmly to the powerful in the Beehive or in the the comments boxes instead. Some of stated that John Key has questions to boardrooms. the blog’s regular denizens are revealed answer. Others, like Sean Plunket or in the book to be corporate lobbyists Mike Hosking, have sneeringly dis- The media runs on Whale Oil under pseudonyms, commenting on the missed the idea that there’s “anything in” articles they themselves planted. Hager’s book, and suggested that Hager So what makes Whale Oil tick? Slater The last part of the formula is the ag- himself is a “criminal” for using leaked is – as anyone who has paid him at- gressive and misogynist language used information. tention in the past knows – a deeply by Whale Oil and his fan club. This The latter attitude is very similar to the unpleasant fellow. He is sexist, racist atmosphere of continuous rage has the hypocrisy shown by Whale Oil itself. and openly contemptuous to those less effect of whipping up a lynch-mob at- Cameron Slater is quoted in the book fortunate. He has been open in the past mosphere among readers and commen- as making nastily sexualised comments about his clinical depression, which of- tators, and repressing any tendencies about women to his National Party ten expresses itself in rage. And his rage towards reflection or nuance. Hateful mates, but suddenly turns into a mor- is directed not just at the Left or at the language against health advocates as als crusader when trying to force Len less fortunate, but at other insufficiently “troughers” sucking at the public teat, or Brown out of office for adultery. The right-wing Nats, or the people who environmentalists as “the green Taliban”, attitude, then, is: whatever crime it is, cost his father his job as National Party boils over into fanciful macho tough- it’s okay when our side do it. This is the president (or who failed to get him a talk about someone with “a big set… politics of total warfare. knighthood!) slapping Helen Kelly around the face But perhaps most importantly, Cameron

10 Fightback Issue 5 2014 National politics

Slater loves power. He describes himself a news media who have gotten used to the equivalents of Whale Oil. in the third person as “the whale”, stories handed to them on a plate, who Slater’s supporters yell that “the Left glories in his influence over MPs and have found that telling the stories that does it too”. This is of course just anti- journalists, and is never happier than the élite like to hear is the best way to politics in itself. But if the Labour Party when he “destroys someone”. When his make a living. or any other party have also engaged in campaigns succeed, he makes grandiose smears, personalized abuse and other pronouncements like “I own the news!” Learn 2 Internet “anti-politics” against their opponents as or “I’m a one-man union wrecking detailed in Dirty Politics, we should look machine!” Slater is a symptom, not a cause, of forward to hearing all about it, as we It’s not just about the personal issues the sick culture of neoliberal ideology should the dirt which Slater purportedly of one man, though – David Farrar’s reproducing itself in the news media. has on Dotcom. Progressive and radical less abusive but cleverer Kiwiblog plays But in the same way that Slater has run forces have no interest in attack blog- a similar role, as did the now defunct rings around the “old media” and old- ging, destroying activists or discouraging “Cactus Kate”. But it’s also about class. fashioned ways of doing politics, so too political participation. The systematic Cameron Slater is the son of a former has he been tripped up by even newer deceit practiced by Whale Oil, his cli- National Party president, born into forces. When “Anonymous” Internet ents and his pet journalists, benefits only privilege, and his distinction is that forces crashed his website in January the powerful and rich. Only a principled he says openly what is usually mut- this year in revenge for his mocking a Left, standing with the majority and tered over a brandy in quiet rooms. The young man’s death in a car crash, the guided by a skeptical quest for truth, people he talks to in these communica- hard evidence of who asks him or pays can undermine this strategy. tions – Simon Lusk, Jordan Williams, him to do what job fell into the hands The Anonymous forces who gave Hager Aaron Bhatnagar, Judith Collins – never of those forces and was passed on to his material are owed our thanks – as is once challenge his assumptions about Nicky Hager. Nicky Hager himself, for putting it in a how the world works, or which human Radical forces desperately need our own way that the mainstream media can dis- beings are of value. citizen journalism, supported by institu- miss, but cannot ignore. Hacktivists and Power without responsibility, said the tions who don’t have a vested interest in left journalists, in exposing the abusive British politician Stanley Baldwin, was keeping the public demoralised, apa- and deceitful way power maintains itself, a perogative misused by the press. But thetic and angry. But to an extent, we are a necessary part of achieving true that’s even more so in the age of blog- already have a surfeit of engaged writers. justice and democracy. ging. One weakness in Nicky Hager’s What we need now is to extend the excellent book is his argument that population of engaged readers. The book bloggers – who openly mix “opinion and reveals that Slater’s attacks often begin fact” – are unaccountable for what they as “concern trolling” – posing as a sup- do in a way that the mainstream media porter of something who is “concerned” are not. But it’s the mainstream media, about some manufactured problem, in as we’ve argued above, who have lifted order to put doubts in the minds of real Slater from being “a jerk with a laptop” supporters. to someone who is relied on by the Attack blogging tactics require secrecy powerful and feared by their enemies. and surprise – as Hager says, the victim The mainstream mediado not abide by often doesn’t even know there’s an traditional standards of fact-checking orchestrated campaign against him or and objectivity, to the extent that they her until it’s too late. One problem of ever have in commercialised journal- contemporary internet use is the ten- ism. They are under intense pressure to dency to believe any information which deliver clicks and advertising revenue comes down the pipeline – this author with stories that grab the attention and herself has fallen into the trap of passing are easy to tell. Cameron Slater only has on misinformation because it “sounded power to the extent that he is used as real”. The Left must support skeptical the middle-man between, on one hand, reading and thinking, even about stories political and corporate bosses with a which we would like to be true. The day story to feed to the public and the abil- when we allow ourselves to tell lies be- ity to pay (in money or prestige); and cause it promotes our cause, we become

Fightback Issue 5 2014 11 National politics Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic? The Labour Party and MANA

by Ian Anderson, Fightback. While Labour’s leadership may real- set the economic agenda more than locate some spending if they are elected, elections: they show no interest in healing the Early in July this year, Labour Party deep cuts of the last 30 years. This is a “The key decisions concerning leader David Cunliffe made headlines grim historical irony for women’s or- our economy are negotiated and by apologising for being a man. Stoked ganisations like Refuge and Rape Crisis, enforced in secret, and set the by capitalist media sensation, Prime which achieved state recognition over a coordinates for the unencumbered Minister John Key responded that “not period of retreating social spending. rule of capital. In this way, the all men” abuse women. Labour’s leadership have pledged to space for decision-making by the For abuse survivors and their supporters raise the retirement age, a policy not democratically elected politicians however, Cunliffe sentiments were not even National supports. While they is severely limited, and the political entirely off the mark. Cunliffe’s origi- pledge to raise the minimum wage to a process deals predominantly with nal comment occurred at a Women’s mere $15, they also indicate that they issues towards which capital is Refuge event, with a pledge to invest will maintain National’s welfare attacks. indifferent.” $60 million more into family violence This is a zero-sum game. The Lord services. His apology reflected wide- giveth and the Lord taketh away. Labour’s leadership initiated the TPPA spread normalisation and acceptance of negotiations, and show no interest in Labour’s limitations are not solely a male violence, the fact that men perpe- reversing them, despite the wishes of matter of uninspiring local policy or trate most abuse, (even most violence their membership. leaders, but of a transnational political- against men is inflicted by other men) economic paradigm. The world’s richest Ultimately, Labour’s leadership is and the lack of support for survivors of man, Carlos Slim, recently called for firmly committed to managing neolib- all genders. a three-day working week to improve eralism. Labour’s base is in the public Fightback, as a socialist-feminist or- quality of life. Undercutting the appar- and community sector; civil servants, ganisation, can unite with the demand ently progressive headlines though, Slim union bureaucrats, teachers. In fact, for increased survivor support. However, asserted that retirement ages are too low because they know the public sector there is a deeper problem associated and should be raised to 70 or 75. Slim’s better, Labour are in some ways better with the call for social spending. At the reasoning, that a shorter working week equipped to manage an austerity-lite end of April this year, the government could be necessary for a longer working program. While National’s policies are allocated $10 million more for sexual life, seems slim comfort for those facing often driven by cronyism, (SkyCity) or violence support services, after pressure the prospect of menial labour into their seem ideological and arbitrary, (charter from the women’s movement, repre- 70s. schools, asset sales) Labour seek to sented in parliament by Green MP Jan manage the public sector professionally Generally, the already grim promised Logie. Even in the wake of this alloca- and, where, possible, equitably. trade-offs; a nickel for your weekend, tion, Christchurch Rape Crisis recently a dollar for your soul; are unreliable. Public debt has increased under Nation- closed down due to underfunding, in Despite right-wing claims to grow the al, due to both international borrowing the context of a 40% rise in reported pie instead of sharing it equally, the and tax cuts for the rich. If Labour were sexual assaults since 2010. pie seems to be getting smaller. De- to increase taxation and attempt to slash 2014 is the 30th anniversary of the elec- spite Slim’s recommendation, capitalist pensions, (currently the biggest slice of tion of the Fourth Labour Government. governments are overwhelmingly more social spending) this may balance the The Fourth Labour Government in- likely to raise the retirement age than books more smartly than National, but troduced neoliberalism – the dominant decrease the working week. it would also undermine what support form of transnational capitalism defined Labour has. As superstar philosopher Slavoj Zizek by privatisation and cutbacks – to recently observed, secretly negotiated To give another example, the Labour Aotearoa/NZ. No government has re- trade agreements, such as the Trade in Party knows the tertiary education sec- stored the level of social spending prior Services Agreement (TISA) and Trans- tor well, and have been instrumental in to the Fourth Labour Government. Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), restructuring it along market lines. The

12 Fightback Issue 5 2014 National politics

Fourth Labour government got rid of for example, mobilising the nationwide policies and principles must be a bottom the universal allowance and introduced hikoi against asset sales. line in any deal. At a recent speech on student loans, the Fifth Labour gov- The difference between Labour and the Internet MANA road trip, Sykes ernment introduced the Performance- MANA is not simply a spectrum from observed how Dotcom’s encounter with Based Research Fund (which treats ‘far left’ to ‘centre left.’ It’s not even a state repression resonated, in terms universities not as places of learning, but matter of MANA’s leadership being recalling the Urewera raids under the producers of marketable research). Even consistently progressive – the MANA last Labour government: Labour’s apparently pro-student policies, Movement held Harawira to account on like interest-free student loans, maintain same-sex marriage rights. In fact where “Families are destroyed when the a market model. By contrast, National Labour MPs treated marriage rights as cops come into your house with appears to have no plan, making cuts a conscience issue, MANA owned the their guns. That’s what happened such as getting rid of the student allow- issue as a movement. to Kim Dotcom. I must say that ance for post-grad students – apparently was the only thing about him, I Labour’s leadership seeks to manage undermining the continued emphasis don’t care about his money, that neoliberalism equitably, MANA seeks on research, and without any significant was the only thing that I really rangatiratanga (leadership) for te pani government saving. admired him for. Because when it me te rawakore (the poor and dispos- happened he stood up for him and Ultimately, both major parties are rear- sessed), what Harawira calls “the largest his kids and his family.” ranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. tribe.” This means building a democratic Everybody knows the boat is leaking, mass movement for justice and self-de- In contrast to Labour and National’s everybody knows the captain lied. It’s termination. MANA supports building imperialist consensus, Dotcom op- no wonder that the 2011 General 10,000 state houses, taking back assets, poses the TPPA, the Five Eyes, and the Election saw the lowest turnout since free education. To support this policy GCSB. Dotcom’s opposition to surveil- women won the right to vote. program, MANA calls for taxes on the lance and secret trade agreements, key Socialists argue for the socialisation rich (alongside scrapping GST). parts of the transnational imperialist of property, the unlocking of wealth For MANA’s Māori leadership this apparatus, formed the initial basis of his which could allow for a more fulfilling means building alliances, where possible, tactical alliance with the left. social existence, for self-determination with sympathetic Pākeha and tau iwi – The Internet Party itself, still in forma- and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over on the basis that “what’s good for Māori tion, is shaping out to be a progres- resources. Right now, as the zero-sum is good for everyone.” In 2011, MANA sive organisation. MANA underlined game rages globally, the possibility of stood leftist Pākeha candidates includ- changing the government as a further liberation seems remote. It’s easier to ing John Minto and Sue Bradford in bottom line for the alliance. With imagine the end of the world than the General Electorate seats, to campaign veteran unionist Laila Harre stepping end of capitalism. for the party vote. This didn’t signifi- in as Internet Party leader, and crucially While social transformation seems cantly expand MANA’s base beyond its MANA retaining independence to unlikely, it’s the only realistic possibility stronghold in Harawira’s Te Tai Tokerau. pursue its own policy program, the deal if humans are to survive and flourish. In the lead-up to the 2014 General at this stage appears to be shaping out This poses the question of where to start, Election, MANA has formed a tactical well for MANA. Internet Mana aims how to organise, how to build from alliance with the Internet Party, found- to mobilise non-voters; overwhelmingly what we have. Fightback argues that in ed by German millionaire Kim Dotcom. young people, Maori, the marginalised the long term, progressives must chart a MANA was widely criticised for cutting and dispossessed; and is currently poll- course independent of the Labour Party. a deal with Dotcom, even by parties ing at 2.3%, enough to get Harawira, There are areas where we can unite with which habitually take donations from Harre, and Sykes in on a progressive Labour Party members on campaigns, big business. Fightback also raised initial policy platform. Reportedly at the 2014 but ultimately we’re heading in a differ- concerns about Dotcom’s trustworthi- National Party conference, Attorney ent direction from the leadership. ness, although we have reaffirmed our General Chris Finlayson stated his con- After successive betrayals by both support for the MANA Movement. cern about the Internet MANA alliance: Labour and National governments, the Traditionally no friend of the working MANA Movement formed around class, Dotcom was forced into a corner “The fragmentation on the left Hone Harawira, and other leaders with by his experience of state repression. hasn’t made the hydra weaker, only a proven radical history. Iwi networks, At the 2014 MANA AGM, Waiariki more unstable if it can force its way such as Ngāpuhi, provide the organised candidate Annette Sykes stated that into power again.” backbone of the MANA Movement – Fightback Issue 5 2014 13 National politics

Finlayson pays Internet Mana a disarm- sector, an inclusive movement for eco- his democratic approach, Harawira has ing compliment here. Internet Mana is nomic and political sovereignty. stated that any post-election deal would strong, but unstable. Hone Harawira Under the Fifth Labour government, have to be approved by the membership. is an unstable partner, because he was victories such as the $12 minimum As phrased by socialist commentator unwilling to sacrifice the foreshore wage and the abolition of youth rates Giovanni Tiso, “wanting to kick the and seabed for crumbs from the table. were won through struggle by inde- Tories out of government is one of the Contrary to portrayals of Laila Harre pendent community groups and fighting noblest of human feelings, and saying as a pawn, Harre also has an unstable unions. Democratic organisations of the that it isn’t nearly enough, the most ba- record, having walked from the Fifth people are necessary both for survival, nal of statements. In the end we’re still Labour government over the occupation and for the possibility of greater victo- left to face those different evils.” of Afghanistan. Instability may seem ries. For those who accept that a Labour-led self-defeating in the short term, but it’s By entering a capitalist government, government isn’t nearly enough, it’s a necessary in the long term. MANA would risk sacrificing this question of building people’s organisa- For transformative politics, parliamen- fighting independence for a seat at the tions and movements for the long haul. tary representation is one tool in a wider table. Labour continues to rule out Fightback seeks to play a part in weaving strategy, not the main goal. Transforma- working with MANA, undermining the people into a new radical democratic tion is not just a matter of changing their own limited shot at forming a body, which can chart a course beyond the government. It’s not even a matter government, because they recognise the the two-party cycle that keeps us locked of electing proven movement leaders threat Harawira and MANA represent into capitalism. to opposition. Transformation requires to business as usual. In keeping with sustained independent struggle in every

Hone Harawira: Burning the flag or accepting the evil

Burning the Israeli flag in Auckland that has killed hundreds of innocent ing with it.” in protest over the murder of inno- civilians, displaced more than 100,000 “Israel has committed a monstrous evil cent civilians in Gaza is nothing to people, and destroyed the infrastructure by its massacre of innocent civilians. be ashamed of ” said MANA Leader of the people in Gaza, in the last couple MANA refuses to passively accept that and Tai Tokerau MP, Hone Harawira. of weeks.” evil and chooses to protest against it, “Calling for both sides to stand down “On the other side you have kids with and if that protest involves burning a when one side is annihilating the other rocks, and irregulars with rockets who mere flag, then so be it.” though, IS something to be ashamed of.” have killed 2 civilians.” “Those condemning the burning of the “On one side you have a state with “Martin Luther King once said, He flag might want to take a look in the nuclear weapons, tanks, artillery, fighter who passively accepts evil is as much mirror and ask themselves what it is planes, helicopter gunships, warships, involved in it as he who helps to per- that they are doing to protest against a fully operational army, and the best petrate it. He who accepts evil without the massacre in Gaza.” missile defence system in the world protesting against it is really cooperat- 14 Fightback Issue 5 2014 International

Regional Joint Statement

In the past week, Israeli military forces The ruthless military offensive con- . Call for the intensification of have escalated their offensive on the ducted by Israeli forces has nothing to the economic boycott, disinvestment Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes have do with “self-defence”, but a genocidal and sanctions campaign against Israel. increasingly targeted houses, civilian- aggression on Gaza and intensification populated areas and civilian facilities in of bloody repression against Palestin- the Gaza strip. Israeli warplanes have ians who had been constantly denied Initiating signatories destroyed a number of houses while their right to self-determination by the Socialist Alliance, Australia their residents were inside, without any Zionist regime. Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM), prior warnings, killing and wounding Malaysia many Palestinian civilians. Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), Philip- The undersigned organisations: The Israeli government has cynically ex- pines . Strongly condemn Israel’s ploited the killing of three Israeli youth Socialist Aotearoa, New Zealand and used this to whip up a racist hyste- latest attack on Gaza, Palestine and Communist Party of India (Marxist- ria against Palestinians and the Hamas demand that it stop its attacks on Gaza Leninist) Liberation government in Gaza. It has done this and respect international law including without producing any evidence about the UN resolution 242 which demands Partai Rakyat Pekerja (Working Peo- who was responsible for those killings. Israel withdraw from the Gaza Strip, ple Party), Indonesia A campaign of indiscriminate violence the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Socialist Alternative, Australia against Palestinians has been incited territories which Israel has illegally oc- Partai Rakyat Demokratik (PRD), and one Palestinian boy has been tor- cupied since 1967. Indonesia tured and burnt to death. Now even . Call upon all governments to Solidarity, Australia more indiscriminate retribution has immediately withdraw their ambassa- Awami Workers Party, Pakistan been inflicted on the civilian residents dors from Israel, cut diplomatic ties and of Gaza. Collective punishment is a vio- end all military and defence ties with Fightback, Aotearoa/New Zealand lation of international humanitarian law. Israel.

New Zealand state’s quandary in the Asia- Pacific

by Jared Phillips, Reprinted from social- urging domestic banks to remove high- US-China tensions dominate istvoice.org.nz end servers made by IBM and replace region them with locally-made servers. Tech- nology companies operating in China The Asia-Pacific region is one of the In May the US government brought are now being vetted and state-owned main arenas where US-China tensions criminal charges against five Chinese companies have been instructed to cut play out. A new order is developing in military officials for hacking into the ties with US consulting firms. These East Asia after 40 years of relative sta- systems of US energy and steel com- developments are examples of increased bility. In many ways the world is moving panies. They stole trade secrets and tensions between the US and China. from being ‘unipolar’ to ‘bipolar’ for the conducted economic espionage. first time since the fall of the USSR in The Chinese government retaliated by 1991.

Fightback Issue 5 2014 15 International

China has seen huge economic growth sions but ultimately sided with US ity and its main export markets are over the past 30 years. It experienced imperialism by making commitments struggling with low growth. This further 10% annual growth rates from 1985 to to the so-called ‘War on Terror’ in drives China’s need to conquer new 2011. While China’s per capita GDP Afghanistan and Iraq. Labour’s election markets and exploit cheap resources in is far behind the US, its overall GDP adverts in 2002 sought to promote this the region. is gaining ground. This gives China relationship with images imagery of a significant amount of strategic and then US Secretary of State Colin Pow- TPPA an attempt to political weight on the world stage. ell with a voice over message saying that strengthen US influence At the same time the position of the US we are “very, very good friends”. in East Asia is in decline. Between 2000 Up until this year National has civil- The Trans Pacific Partnership Agree- and 2012 on the US’s share of trade ianised military roles and cut military ment (TPPA) did not initially include to East Asia fell from 19.5% to 9.5%. spending. However for 2014 National the US but the US joined it and has China’s share rose from 10% to 20% in has allocated an increase of $100 mil- sought to dominate the negotiations. the same period. In 2009 Obama an- lion to military spending. This is part From the US government’s perspective nounced the US’s ‘Pivot to Asia’ foreign of an additional $535 million being al- the agreement is an attempt to counter policy, an attempt to check China’s located over the next four years. This has China’s emergence as a power in the emergence as a challenger to US domi- essentially been a restructure based on region. nance in the region. the needs of the US in the Asia-Pacific The agreement would serve the interests Increased US-New Zealand military region. of big corporations and empower them cooperation against states. It would establish trade In mid-2012 the NZ and US govern- NZ and China’s strong tribunals to regulate disputes between ments signed the Washington Declara- economic links companies and states. This would tion which set out to achieve regular equate to bringing neo-liberal eco- high-level dialogue and enhanced The world economic crisis has not had nomic policies into law. A corporation cooperation between the two nations. such a dramatic effect on New Zea- could sue a state for introducing laws In 2013 there was a meeting of Pacific land as it has on other regions. This that undermine profits and violate the Army Chiefs which was co-chaired by is because New Zealand’s economic TPPA. Such measures would hamper New Zealand and the US. Following integration is strongest with Australia the ability of working people to fight for this meeting the NZ Defence Minister and China whose economies remained reforms. Jonathan Coleman and US Secretary relatively stable for the first years of the In the negotiations the US have often of Defence Chuck Hagel made a crisis. used heavy handed tactics and this joint-press release announcing further There are more New Zealand compa- has caused other countries to hesitate military cooperation. nies with overseas production engage- to sign. The National government is Coleman said “Our defence relation- ments in China than any other country. currently trying to turn its own stalling ship with the US is in great shape, and In 2013 China became New Zealand’s to an advantage by saying it will not provides a strong platform for working biggest export destination. This was the sign without the support of the popula- closely together in the future”. In many first time in decades that the biggest tion. However National has engaged ways US-NZ military relations are the destination was not Australia. New undemocratically in the negotiations strongest since the ANZUS relation- Zealand’s next strongest links are with and the Labour Party have not opposed ship ended in 1984. Australia, and the Australian economy them. The truth is that National is cur- The closer cooperation is not merely a is also intimately linked with China. rently recoiling because aspects of the result of a set of National Party policies. The Chinese economy has grown by US’s corporate agenda are at odds with The cooperation stems from the needs around 7.5% over the last year. This is aspects of New Zealand’s corporate of New Zealand business interests. a slowdown on the 10% growth China agenda. This is just one of the dilemmas New Zealand plays the role of a mini- had experienced for decades before the NZ big business faces. imperialist force in the region attached crisis began to take effect. With the to the US. slowdown Chinese corporate debt has Pacific Islands The New Zealand government began increased by up to 260% in the period patching up relations with the US between 2008 and 2013. Local govern- While the capitalist class is collaborat- in the early 2000s. The Labour Party ment debt has also increased. ing in order to advance its interests the sought to straddle the US-Franco ten- China is facing a crisis of over capac- left and workers movement must also

16 Fightback Issue 5 2014 International

seek to build links between working people and the poor in the region. The Why you should get Pacific Islands will be of particular importance. involved in Fightback The fight against climate change in New Zealand and other advanced economies must be intensified to help prevent fur- ther climate change displacement of the people on these islands. For those who We oppose imperialism have already been forced to flee we must The fight against imperialism is a vi- if the involvement is under the ban- fight for their rights as refugees. tal part of the fight against capitalism. ner of so-called “peace-keeping”. We In some Pacific nations up to half the Imperialism is the system whereby demand an immediate end to the in- population rely on money sent from rich countries dominate poor ones. terference in the affairs of Pacific Is- family members in New Zealand, Aus- New Zealand is a junior partner in the land nations by New Zealand and its tralia, and elsewhere. It is imperative world imperialist system. The Work- ally Australia. We want an end to all that socialists and the workers move- ers Party opposes any involvement in involvement in imperialist military ment play a leading role supporting full imperialist wars such as those being alliances and the dismantling of their equal rights for Pacific workers. fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, even spy bases.

Future struggle We fight oppression The situation in the Asia Pacific region We are serious about actively fight- struggle. We support militant direct is becoming more fraught. While the ing oppression based on nation, race, action by Maori for real equality; con- New Zealand ruling class has hedged its gender or sexuality – here and now, versely, we see the Treaty process as a bets with US imperialism, the economy not just “after the revolution”. But bureaucratic means to undercut such is also highly dependent the US’s main we believe class is central to all such resistance and nurture a Maori middle imperialist rival, China. On the face of oppression, and therefore those strug- class which will benefit very few. it New Zealand’s domestic situation gles are linked to the broader class appears relatively stable. However, an analysis of the regional situation reveals that there is much scope for destabilisa- tion in the years ahead. It is clear that economic and political rivalries will continue to sharpen in this part of the world. The only way this can be resolved in a positive way is if work- ing people throughout the region unite their struggles and fight for an alterna- Contact tive to the system that pits nations and Auckland Christchurch people against each other. While democracy struggles in places Daphne Thomas like Fiji and Tonga must be supported 027 220-9552 021 155-3896 we should argue that only by trans- [email protected] [email protected] forming society along socialist lines will we really be able to address the issues ordinary people face. A socialist Wellington federation of the region would promote Joel cooperation and the democratic sharing of resources. This is the alternative to 022 384-1917 oppression and imperialist aggression. [email protected]

Fightback Issue 5 2014 17 International

Unite against poverty wages and zero-hour contracts: An interview with Heleyni Pratley

Heleyni Pratley is an organiser for completely casualised, the only people send a delegation? Unite Union and a member of Fightback who technically have full-time hours are HP: Unite has been at the global fore- (Aotearoa/NZ). the restaurant managers. They’ll often front of this organising. In May, Heleyni attended the first global have large workforces; McDonald’s rec- The way that McDonalds operates, (and conference on fast food organising. ommends that any store should have 70 other fast food chains like KFC) is the Fightback writer Ian Anderson inter- employees at any one time. The model same globally. While that’s a strength viewed her. is Taylorism, basically keep everyone on in terms of their business model and their toes, worried that they could lose global exploitation, it’s a weakness in their job or hours at any time; hours are terms of us relaying what we’ve learnt, FB: Can you tell us about Unite Union used as punishment. so other workers and other unions can and how you first got involved? So Unite has unionised workers in those draw from those lessons in fighting HP: Sure, so I got involved with Unite sectors and won collective agreements these companies. Union because I was in the Workers through struggle. FB: What was your main takeaway Party [a predecessor of Fightback], a FB: Can you tell me about the recent from the conference discussion? socialist group active on campus. fast food workers’ conference in New HP: What I learnt was, we’re in New At the time I was active in the Students York? York – it’s the heart of the beast, the Association, and was also working many HP: Sure, so the conference that I at- heart of the empire – and the problems casualised jobs. So Unite was interest- tended involved delegations of fast food are the same. ing, they’d just gotten rid of youth rates workers and unionists from 26 countries The workers are paying workers in the and had contracts with all the major fast all over the world. food companies. US, like everywhere else, the minimum We heard about struggles happening they can get away with. Workers at Mc- Unite focuses on organising young casu- for example in Thailand, where workers Donald’s in the US are actually on food alised workers. The traditional union are actually offered large sums of money stamps, even though they’re employed, movement saw these workers, especially to not join the union. For some of the so similar to New Zealand where we in fast food, as being un-organisable. workers it was actually very risky to at- have employed people on Accommoda- But Unite proved everybody wrong… tend the conference. tion Supplements. It does involve constant recruitment It was organised by the International because the turnover’s so high. So the similarities were more than what Labour Organisation. It was the first I thought they would be initially, and I The workers that Unite organises are ever global conference on fast food think that now more than ever, global mainly in fast food and cinemas. Cin- organising. workers’ solidarity is important. ema workers and fast food workers are FB: Why was it important for Unite to 18 Fightback Issue 5 2014 International

FB: What was your understanding of bit of pushing and shoving. In the end things will get worse. the fast food workers’ campaign in the the letter was pinned to the wall. So I think complacency is changing. In US? I also went to Boston and helped a the ‘90s and early 2000s there was a HP: The Fast Food Forward campaign community group, who were getting certain sense that there’s nothing we can in the US seems to have come out of workers at a restaurant prepared to take do about neoliberalism, but things like the Occupy movement, which is a really a strike action on the 15th, and what Occupy show a global shift. positive aspect. I saw from these workers was a real We see Russell Brand talking about A lot of people have said that Occupy desperation. In a lot of worksites there’s revolution, and whatever you think of failed, but I disagree with that because fear around taking strike action, and we Russell Brand, these things are now in Occupy was successful at raising con- see that definitely in New Zealand too. the popular discourse. sciousness, and it’s been heartening to But in the US, as soon as we said that FB: Now that the struggle against casu- see that’s fed into more concrete, long- in New Zealand the minimum wage is alization is getting globally organised, term ways of engaging in struggle. That $14.25, you could see how people were what do you think the next steps are? Fightback is really needed in the US. hopeful – and pissed off! HP: We established links, which is McDonald’s workers are on $7.25, and FB: What are some of the differences fantastic, we need to build on those and that’s the non-tipped minimum wage, and similarities internationally? maintain those. so if you’re on a tipped minimum wage HP: In fast food, there are more simi- it’s actually from $2.15 upwards. For example, I met people who are larities than differences. So workers are organising the factories where Mc- So my understanding of the fast food treated exactly the same way. Hours are Donald’s burgers are made. That is just campaign in the US is that it’s come used as punishment. Hours aren’t guar- awesome. I think any Marxist is like, out of Occupy, it’s community-led, and anteed. Everyone at McDonald’s is on that is the point of production! I don’t unions are also playing a role. I think minimum wage, everyone is completely want to fetishise that too much, but I that community involvement is where casualised. think these global networks need to the campaign’s success lies. That’s what Which means things that have worked increase. It’s inspirational because it’s we’ve seen in Unite as well, that you for Unite in NZ, will work at other another way for us to realise our power have to have the wider community restaurants around the world, and I’m as workers. involved. sure that we can learn a lot from what And our power is by coming together FB: What actions were you involved they’re doing. and taking action, so coming together with? The left has clearly been smashed in the globally is something workers can feed HP: I participated in the delivery of a US, just as it has been in NZ. The left is off, I don’t think that can be underesti- letter to McDonald’s, to explain that weak, and this is reflected in the trade mated. there would be global actions, on the union movement. So we need to be FB: What are the next steps locally, for 15th of May, including workers’ going thinking seriously about rebuilding, and Unite? on strike. There was a press confer- how we rebuild. ence in New York where workers from HP: Unite is committed currently to But similarly there is strength in a all over the world spoke, and then we changing the government, so we’re run- conviction, and a desire, to change our delivered the letter. ning the Get Out The Vote Campaign. situation, to make sure McJobs are After that we’re looking into launching Of course we weren’t allowed into the not our future. There seems to be an a campaign against Zero Hour contracts. restaurant, you know there was a little understanding that if we don’t stand up,

Elections and migrant-bashing: Full rights for migrant workers

by Joe McClure, Fightback. migration policy. National, represented urch were found to be victims of by Minister of Immigration Michael exploitative company Tech5, which was Woodhouse, has suffered a series of keeping them in cramped conditions, Labour and National both have un- embarrassments this year. Groups of taking $125 per person per week to “pay promising records when it comes to im- Filipino workers employed in Christch- for the cost of their tools”, and coerc-

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ing them into working for the company ensure immigrants are paid no less than aware of these accusations made against without complaint, or risk losing their the minimum wage, provide training Dotcom, but felt that his economic visa and being returned to the Philip- opportunities for upskilling immigrants, contribution was more important than pines. A recent raid on fruit picking and increase the refugee quota from his legal situation. operations in the Bay of Plenty found 750 per year to 1000. In contrast, the As a result of these obfuscations and de- eight people working without visas, and National party claims that the risk of nials, Dotcom has demanded transpar- more than 18 companies operating in refugees targeting New Zealand is ency in government processes, and a full breach of immigration requirements. In growing, a claim echoed by NZ First review of the relevant diplomatic and May, Woodhouse was found to have leader Winston Peters. intelligence agreements. MANA leader met with overseas investors and sig- Peters has announced his party’s Hone Harawira has also taken up this nificant National party donors, includ- position on immigration, involving view, as have his fellow candidates; John ing prominent Chinese businessman increased security and a reduction in the Minto demanded that Woodhouse ex- Donghua Liu, before deciding on their number of student visas granted, in line plain why the NZ government was dis- visa applications. with the party’s conservative ideology; criminating against Pacific people from Labour has also been dogged by the however, the lack of detail in Peters’ Tonga and Samoa while putting out the case of Liu, when it was found that statements prevent a clearer appraisal of welcome mat for anyone from Australia, Labour leader David Cunliffe had his position. irrespective of skills and criteria. intervened in his application, after Liu In contrast, the Green Party, in their New Zealand employs numerous work- allegedly paid $100,000 for a bottle policy framework, include promises ers from around the Pacific each year of wine at a Labour party fundraiser. to increase the refugee quota to 1,000, to take part in fruit picking and other Despite Cunliffe’s adamant claim that with a focus on uniting families, ensur- seasonal employment, and this creates a he never got involved with Liu’s visa ing that migrant workers are paid no valuable opportunity for these people to application in 2014, it has been revealed less than local workers and employed work in the NZ environment, improv- that in 2003 he wrote a letter asking for in the same conditions, and will create ing their English language fluency, as Liu’s immigration application to be fast- opportunities for people on temporary well as picking up skills that they can tracked. Liu donated an undisclosed visas to upskill so that they can apply use both in New Zealand and in their amount to Labour after the application for permanent residency. home countries. However, these work- was approved. Finally, MANA-Internet policy reflects ers are often discriminated against, as in Labour’s hostility to immigrants (other a more open-borders position, in which the example of the construction work- than wealthy businessmen) was made skilled visitors from overseas can come ers in Christchurch, and the MANA clear in their election policy, where and go from New Zealand as necessary. Movement is one of only a few parties they announced they wanted to reduce Internet Party founder Kim Dotcom that have promised to prevent this hap- immigration to avoid raising housing has been a very prominent figure in im- pening. prices. Despite the party’s frequent migration discussions, as his residency MANA has offered to migrant workers attacks on National’s immigration was granted under dubious conditions the same pay and conditions as lo- stance, Deputy Labour Leader David by Immigration NZ, and subsequent to cal workers, without the risk of hav- Parker made it clear that the Labour this, an illegal search of his home was ing their visas revoked, and enabling party intend to control the number of carried out, including the seizure of them to receive the same support as immigrants arriving in New Zealand, various items belonging to him. a New Zealander working in that job reducing the number arriving without Dotcom claims that former Immi- could expect. This is just one of the qualifications or skills of value to the gration Minister Jonathan Coleman areas where Fightback stands alongside New Zealand economy, and fast-track- pressured Immigration NZ to accept his MANA, in affirming the rights of ing those instances where applicants can residency application, as part of a deal dispossessed workers, and demanding demonstrate that they can contribute to with the US government, and to ensure fair and reasonable treatment without growing New Zealand’s GDP. he invested in the NZ economy. He discrimination, whether for migrant Labour party policy involves a points- further suggests that this was to make it workers employed in New Zealand, or based system, which ensures that easier for the US government to extra- New Zealand-born workers. immigrants are spread throughout the dite him out of New Zealand, as he was country rather than being concentrated accused of copyright fraud by various in just one or two regions. In a conces- American media companies. According sion to potential coalition partners such to reports released under the Official as the Green Party, Labour promised to Information Act, Immigration NZ were 20 Fightback Issue 5 2014 MANA Movement Miriam Pierard of the Internet Party: “Speaking the language of youth”

by Daphne Lawless, Fightback (Auck- conditions haven’t changed in 300 years. United States and the NSA”. She was land) All the mines are worker co-operatives. sympathetic to both the Greens and the Even in these dark dangerous places MANA movement, but “I stayed away there is still hope, and it’s about per- from political parties because of that Miriam Pierard, the 28-year-old Inter- sonal relationships. tribal, territorial culture – fighting over net Party candidate for Auckland Cen- “Experiencing all this across the world, votes without seeing the bigger picture.” tral, is no stranger to Fightback - “a very especially in places like that, made When German internet good magazine”. She compliments us in me realise just how special New millionaire Kim particular on our “really amazing article” Zealand is and how important Dotcom founded explaining our decision to support the it is to take back our proud the Internet Internet Party-MANA Movement history of leading the Party, she alliance, and she attended our “Capital- world in progressive was origi- ism: Not Our Future” conference last change. Looking at nally Queen’s Birthday in Wellington. the current situation, “more After qualifying as a teacher, Miriam I’m so ashamed.” skep- backpacked around the world in 2013. tical “Thinking that I might want to get into politics, I wanted to see how the rest Dawn of the of the world worked.” In the process, Internet she experienced places like Iceland and Party Bolivia where local popular move- ments have rejected business-as-usual Return- neoliberal politics and created space for ing to New alternatives. Zealand, says In Iceland she met with Jón Gnarr, co- Miriam, she median and former mayor of the capital was particularly Reykjavik, who led a populist electoral “angry at our challenge which unseated the conserva- country’s involve- tive local council. “He stood up and ment with the said, our political system doesn’t work, let’s bring something new in.... they got overwhelming support because they brought humour into politics, made it fun again – and they gave people hope, because they were normal people who Icelanders knew.” After spending time in Colombia learn- ing Spanish, she went to Bolivia, occu- pying herself with “looking after pumas”. “I was interested in the indigenous movement, how they had expelled Mc- Donalds from their country and tried to do the same with Coca-Cola. “I spoke to miners in Potosí, drink- ing hideous alcohol and chewing coca leaves. That was a horrific place – I felt really strange afterwards. In some ways,

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than I should have been... I had only Not being totally convinced, she decid- really felt empowered by that debate.” been reading the mainstream me- ed to attend the MANA AGM which Sue Bradford has said that the debate dia! But I was excited that there was would discuss the alliance. “I was really was conducted in an “authoritarian and something new coming to shake up the impressed by the level of debate. I was patriarchal” way, but Miriam doesn’t election.” a little bit wary of what Kim had said, agree. “Perhaps because I wasn’t so Miriam was impressed that the Internet but proud of the MANA leadership and involved with the politics of MANA, I Party managed to reach the requisite the Internet Party for having the guts to didn’t pick up on that. Sue was vo- 500 members “virtually overnight” and have the conversation.” cal and public about her stance, and understood that “there was something Miriam feels that Hone Harawira perhaps people were responding to that.” serious about this party”. However, like showed leadership in presenting the However, Miriam stresses “the Left in Fightback at the time, and like veteran debate, and that Kim Dotcom dealt well New Zealand is much better for having left activist Sue Bradford, Miriam was with questions from the various rohe. “I Sue”, and more recently talked to her initially sceptical about the alliance with remember that the Fightback people about how to “stay true to yourself ” as MANA. were nervous about the proposal – but an activist in Parliament. “I’m so glad “The mainstream media was trying to every single person in that room was we were able to have that conversation paint it as Kim Dotcom buying the Left. heard. And now I see that same thing is of solidarity.” I still support Sue in that she made her happening in the Internet Party, except decision based on her values. But on that we do it online. Two parties, one vision the day of the rally against the TPPA “By the end of the night I came away (Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement) feeling really emotional. I ran into On the other side of the debate, Miriam in early April, I discussed this with [left Annette Sykes, and I said ‘Thank you thinks that some Internet Party sup- blogger] Martyn Bradbury, who ex- so much for this day, the democratic porters “see MANA as a hardcore plained the strategy... I sat on the floor process and debate was so impressive socialist organization which wants to astounded by the genius of this.” and overwhelming.’ I started crying … I burn down the houses of rich people. 22 Fightback Issue 5 2014 MANA Movement

Of course MANA has a strong social- will define my generation, and the concern on the Internet around the ist element, but some people are stuck Internet Party is handing us the power power and influence that big corporate in a kind of 1950s Red Scare mentality and responsibility to have some say in bodies have – their legal influence, and about what socialism means. these decisions. how they’re able to bankroll politicians.” “The people in MANA with socialist “This alliance brings credibility to both Miriam argues, for example, that “Hol- leanings don’t necessarily think that a sides. We have a really good relation- lywood corporates” bankrolled the cam- Stalinist state is a good idea. They don’t ship and I’m amazed at how well it’s paign of US Vice-President Joe Biden want top-down totalitarian control. working.” - “which is perhaps one of the reasons Both Internet and MANA are interest- America wants Kim Dotcom extradited ed in using the Internet, this incredible The programme of the – they want their money’s worth.” tool, to harness the incredible wealth Internet people Miriam agrees with Fightback’s stand of knowledge to enable democratic against the international copyright participation. So who exactly are the Internet Party’s regime as a tool of this global corpo- “Real democratic participation, that is, constituency? Miriam returns to the day rate dominance (http://fightback.org. not just limited to ticking a box every of the rally against the TPPA. nz/2014/05/20/copyleft-marxism-the- three years.” “We were down at the US Consulate [in internet-and-publishing/). “It’s quite Miriam mentions her great respect for downtown Auckand], and there were crippling on creativity. There’s an idea the MANA movement, and its leaders pools of young people wearing purple that Kim Dotcom just wants to be able such as Hone Harawira, Annette Sykes T-shirts with Internet Party on them. It to steal other people’s content. But and John Minto. was the first time I’d seen Internet Party we’ve got people in the Internet Party, artists, musicians, who’ve felt excluded “Hone Harawira needs friends in Parlia- marketing and I was suprised. and ripped off by these major labels and ment to raise a voice for the excluded. “I chatted with these young guys, and Hollywood corporates.. And royalties Hone is seen as this radical Maori what they were saying made me think – are such a messed-up system. separatist, but why is it radical to feed wow! I had never seen a political party the kids? To want equal opportunities, engage with young people like this. One “Corporations are terrified of being or a warrant of fitness on State homes? said he had never been interested in cut out of the money flow for digital It’s so sad that these ideas are consid- politics or voted, but finally there was a content – which is why they’re trying to ered fringe. party which spoke their language.” get Kim with this ridiculous civil case! Our policy is about giving more power “But joining MANA would be disin- Miriam names.concerns around the to content creators. Even the National genuous for me, because I’m so Pakeha! TPPA, threats to national sovereignty Business Review wrote a grudgingly I love people like Annette and John, from trans-national corporations and positive review of it!” but they have a different way of doing foreign powers, mass surveillance, the things than I do. John Minto... what a Five Eyes data-sharing arrangement, guy!” and the unaccountable GCSB (Govern- Laila and Kim As Miriam sees it, Internet and MANA ment Communications Security Bureau) What of the leading personalities of are two parties with the same vision – as issues that have brought young IP the Internet Party? Miriam is upfront but different ways of working and talk- activists into politics. about her huge personal admiration for ing, and appealing to different audiences. “This made me feel - this is what we’ve party leader, and former leftist Cabinet “The two parties are speaking to different been waiting for,” Miriam explains. “We minister, Laila Harré. but vital groups in our society, which are trying to engage and empower those “I remember as a teenager driving have both been excluded. My genera- who have been excluded and disaffected through Auckland, seeing Laila on Al- tion realise that if tangata whenua and by the system, such as the million peo- liance billboards and thinking ‘I want to the poor are falling behind, we all fall ple who didn’t vote at the last election.” be like her!’” behind. And thirty years of neo-liberal- Isn’t a concern for national sovereignty Ten years later, when Miriam sold Laila ism has only widened the gap. a bit strange for those devoted to the raffle tickets at a Green Party fundraiser, “Because the Internet Party has quite globalised, borderless world brought she didn’t recognize her teenage idol at a different constituency to MANA, it by Internet technology? Miriam argues first. A week later, Miriam was catch- is able to bring my generation into that the real issue is “fear around multi- ing up with Unite union secretary Matt activism on issues where we agree, such national corporations being able to sue McCarten, “and we all went out for as climate change, inequality and mass our government if we have laws that dinner with Laila – this was well before surveillance. These are the issues that are not in their interest. There’s a strong

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the Internet Party – and it was lovely to wouldn’t exist. He’s a generous donor charter schools or national standards, talk to her, and I felt happy that I was and he’s really committed to the vi- and it’s been a complete cock-up. able to keep up with the conversation! sion. He’s got his own sense of humour, “And why are the Government spending Talking to her husband Barry and her which doesn’t reflect what the rest of us all the money from asset sales on roads, son Sam, I was impressed by how com- think. or the leaky roof of Parliament, rather mitted a political family they are, and “John Key says he’s just trying to keep than Auckland’s City Rail Link? Let’s also how personable. himself from being extradited. No talk to the experts, let’s have evidence- “One thing that some people can’t Labour justice minister is going to help based policy.” understand about MANA is that Hone, him with that, so that has nothing to One problem with Internet-sourced Annette and John are strong and loud do with the party at all. But the idea for policy formation is the power that personalities and come from a protest the Internet Party came in part from moderators and policy committees have background, which can put people off. the deep resentment, hurt, and fear that as “gatekeepers” of bottom-up initia- In contrast Laila is so softly spoken, and Kim and his family felt with the raid tives. But Miriam doesn’t see this as a yet she can have people like Paul Henry on his house. It also showed how deep problem. under her thumb in such a beautiful, our Government is with the NSA, how “It’s fairly self-moderated at the moment. graceful manner.” we’re just bending over for America. For a while I thought it was inappro- Miriam also cites Laila’s achievements “Kim has very little to do with the daily priate to get involved myself, but now in the 1999-2002 Cabinet, such as paid running of the party, and doesn’t want candidates are getting more involved. parental leave and fighting against New to. He polarises people - the 18-24 year I’ve never seen such a high level of intel- Zealand troop deployment to Afghani- olds seem to really like him, while older ligent discussion on an Internet forum stan. “I’m so happy to have her as my voters are wary, but then they respond - it’s not like YouTube comments! A boss. Who better to work with and better to Laila or our other candidates. number of people are very involved and learn from?” Our policy is not dictated by Kim - the we’d like to get more people involved, Some people would think that it’s agenda comes from the Internet Party but we have to think about how we Kim Dotcom, not Laila Harré, who is executive, on which Kim has only vote. make that happen. Miriam’s boss. And the Internet Party “I have no questions as to whether Kim “Loomio is a discussion forum. If an idea founder has a track record of regularly is to be trusted. I’m grateful for the op- gains traction it will get moved into alienating progressive activists with such portunity that we all have – our genera- policy development. But we’re on a very things as owning a copy of Mein Kampf tion, our country – because of this new tight time frame, so we have to move a autographed by Hitler himself, “racist party.” bit faster at the moment. One criticism day” hijinks while recording his album, I’ve heard from some members is they’re and most recently an offensive joke Online democracy not aware exactly how the Incubator about “killing hookers” on Twitter. material gets turned into policy - so we But the Internet Party, Miriam assures Miriam is at pains to point out what she have to make those links clear. us, is very far from being “Kim’s” per- believes to be the revolutionary demo- “So we’re having teething issues, but this sonal plaything. cratic nature of Internet Party online is really revolutionary... as far as I know “Just because he provides a good chunk decision-making and policy making. we’re the first party in the world to have of our money doesn’t mean he’s in con- “A lot of our policy is developed through this. It’s about bringing democracy back trol. A lot of it is John Key’s spin about discussions with our members via to the people, and making it easy to Kim ‘buying his way into politics’. And Loomio and Google Docs applications. access.” that’s bullshit. Our environment policy had 300 people “People think we’ve got all this money, working on it. Our health policy was So is the Internet Party written almost entirely by members but we’re actually on a very tight budget. internally democratic? It’s not a slush fund that we can dip into - including doctors and pharmacists, as well as ordinary members of the public whenever. “It’s early days yet. That’s certainly the who visit their GP. “Without Kim’s funding or vision for the aim we’re going for, but there’s so little party – around things like easier access “In contrast, the existing politicians time before the election, so we have had and cheaper internet, taking democracy and parties bypass the experts and the to push things through more quickly back to the people, a digital economy people that they represent. Sometimes than we’d like. As a candidate and leader, rather than relying on agriculture, there’s consultation, but in education I rely on my friends and our voters and extractive industries or tourism - we there was little to no consultation on members to keep us true to what they

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that. There are too many real things to be scared of.” Quite opposed to the fear and negativ- ity of conspiracy theory, Miriam hopes to bring hope and “a sense of humour” to New Zealand politics, following the example of Jón Gnarr’s “Best Party” in Iceland. “We don’t take ourselves seri- ously, but we take what we do seriously.” Accordingly, part of Internet Party strategy is the big “Party Party” dance events held in various centres, featuring popular hip-hop and rock artists. These are part of a general trend of strong Get Out The Vote activism at this election, including the similar “Rock Enrol” cam- paign. “We also need ways to get young people to the polls,” adds Miriam. “17% of non-voters say that they just couldn’t get to the polls.” The night before our interview, Miriam attended Auckland’s “Party Party”, and her outfit drew comment from NZ Herald right-wing gossip column- ist Rachel Glucina.“She made some nasty comment about me, saying I was Miriam at the Auckland Party Party ‘inexplicably tarted up with cat ears and whiskers’.” want. If it’s democratically decided on, join, but the hateful won’t get much Actually, Miriam was representing I’ll fight for that, even if I don’t agree. traction, and the other members will Harold, the Internet Party’s cat mascot. “The party is owned by everyone. The jump on them and slam them in the “And people loved it! The Internet Party members have more say than in any forums. is about positive politics – you’ve got to other party I’ve heard of. Candidates “Again, it’s self-moderation of the have fun. Our Party Parties have been talk regularly on our own forum, and membership. Internet Party members off the chain. These musicians really the Executive team are very open for us and supporters are not going to let us care about getting young people out to to come and talk to them.” be taken over by conspiracy theorists or vote. We don’t care who they’re voting Holocaust deniers.” for, as long as they’re voting.” Openness, conspiracies, and Miriam warms to the theme of con- spiracy theory. “When people put cat ears Hostile Greens emphasis on things like chemtrails, it Isn’t there a problem with being too totally derails the conversation - it Miriam is less distressed than put- open? For example, the recent Aotearoa takes away the conversation from real downs from gossip columnists than Not For Sale demonstration had to deal issues. Can we focus on the causes of she is by the negativity from the with Nazis turning up. Could the Inter- climate change, or on the manipulation party which she still “really loves” – the net Party be “entered” by people with a of governments by big business – which Greens. vile agenda? sounds like a conspiracy theory, but is “The Greens have been hating on us. I actually happening? “We’re really committed to free speech,” suspect they don’t really get it. We’re not allows Miriam. “But in the forums if “We’ve got too much to fight for that we trying to take Green Party votes – most someone comes up with a question can do real, practical things about. Peo- Greens I know like what we do, but about whether we should reject Holo- ple can talk about things like chemtrails they’re not going to vote for us. The caust deniers as members... Anyone can or vaccines causing autism, but we’re first generation of Green voters are now not going to have a policy on things like Fightback Issue 5 2014 25 MANA Movement

middle-aged and less radical than they radical, with Ministers who’d spent time much the same thing. used to be. in jail, seen as disruptors. Cunliffe could “I wonder, what would have happened “I don’t blame the Greens for moving be more progressive, if the Anyone-But- if the Labour government hadn’t taken towards a more establishment image if Cunliffe mob would just shut up. We us down that neoliberal track 30 years it gets them wider support. But we are need more disruption.” ago? My whole life has been dictated trying to bring a more ‘radical’ element by this bullshit neo-liberal trickle-down to progressive politics. We don’t have Is this the future? theory. But we’re young, progressive and political baggage where we have to ap- educated, and with the advent of the peal to older voters.” Does Miriam think that the Internet Internet, we can’t go back to old models. In contrast to Internet-MANA, whom Party could survive without Kim Dot- “Our world isn’t going to be built on Rachel argues have realised that “it’s not com? That brings a quick “yes”. nostalgia. We need creative, innova- in anyone’s interest to be so posses- “I’ve put the same question to Kim tive thinking. We have to reject this sive over your own votes,” the Greens myself – what happens if you’re extra- old mindset and these old ideas which seem to sense a threat to their political dited? Now we have actually gotten big clearly don’t work. People ask us, ‘So “brand”. enough, and have enough credibility, to what’s the alternative, a Stalinist gov- “Russel Norman came out and said that continue without Kim if that happened, ernment?’ But show a little creativity! Laila Harré took the Greens’ intellectual touch wood that it doesn’t. I have faith There are alternatives, and if my genera- property for our environment policy. If that he will continue to support us – not tion works together with those other we have two parties with similar poli- necessarily financially – in the future, groups in society who don’t quite fit in, cies, that complement and support each but we’ve got enough momentum that we could change the world.” other, isn’t that a good thing? That the we can keep going. “We’re about building a new vision, and policy has more power and we can effect “As a teacher, I see the power and the a new movement, with optimism.” change more easily? passion and the perceptiveness in my Will the Internet-MANA alliance last “I’d met [Green Auckland Central my students every day, and in so many past the election? “Everyone is open to candidate] Denise Roche before and political arguments I wish I had the that as a possiblity. It depends on what she seemed like a nice lady. I went to go 14 year olds in my class to back me up, the members think, how many MPs we and give her a hug and talk to her about because they’re so onto it. Young people get.” are excluded from political conversa- Auckland Central – I actually don’t want And will Internet-MANA get the 4.5% tions until they’re 18, and then suddenly to split the progressive vote, I myself am of the vote necessarily to elect Miriam the political parties are trying to make voting for [Labour’s] Jacinda Ardern. herself, number 6 on the joint list? “The themselves appealing. But she was really unhappy to see me polls are going up and up, even those – quite short with me and pushed me “But it’s not about making parties ap- based on landlines. What young, poor away. That upset me a lot – I can take pealing, it’s about making the issues or Maori people have landlines, anyway?” whatever the Right throw at me, but if relevant, easier to understand, and She looks forward to the big meeting we can’t can’t work together on the Left, giving young people something to vote on September 15 in the Auckland Town we’re through.” for. Policies aren’t aimed at helping the Hall, with Kim Dotcom and US radical However, Miriam hasn’t let this make young – they’re about maintaining the journalist Glen Greenwald, “where Kim her bitter in return. “I hope the Greens status quo. will drop a political bombshell about get 15% - a strong coalition including “ Young people don’t have a tradition of John Key’s lying, and just how much them, Labour and Internet-MANA voting so they’re ignored, and policies we’re involved with the American spy could be really amazing. are created for them. We’re neglected, so network.” “National are talking about ‘the hydra of we neglect to take part. For someone who doesn’t really want the Left’ and the instability of all these “The Internet Party recognize that our to be a politician – because as a teacher, different parties. I completely reject that. generation has a different way of partici- her occupation gets a lot more respect We celebrate diversity on the progres- pating in politics, like sharing a petition – Miriam sounds ready and willing to sive side because that’s what democracy on Facebook. That might be armchair commit to the struggle. is all about. It’s unhelpful to bag each activism, but it’s as valid as going to vote. other over personal issues.” Young people think – why should I vote, She also has some advice for Labour: when politicians lie, break promises, and don’t listen to us? And they understand “In 1935, when the Savage government that Labour and National are pretty brought in the welfare state, Labour was

26 Fightback Issue 5 2014 National politics Coalition governments and real change

by Mike Treen, General Secretary of election. and mobilise people in the streets UNITE Union. Reprinted from The Daily Alliance leader Jim Anderton was made for the more radical changes that are Blog. deputy prime minister and three others needed to make a real improvement to got cabinet posts but the party essential- the lives of working people. ly disappeared from view into Labour’s The Greens will face a similar challenge Can a party that wants fundamental embraces and it’s policies were seen as if they can achieve a majority able to changes in society be a minor part of a essentially the same. The government form a government with Labour after coalition government? remained reasonably popular but the the next election. The Greens have My conclusion is no after having been Alliance Party’s support collapsed in the already taken the first significant steps a participant in the Alliance Party’s polls. Technically the party retained the to becoming a “partner” in running the implosion after attempting to do so right to differentiate its own position existing system rather than challenging from 1999-2002 as part of the Labour- from that of the larger partner while it when they signed up to the ETS as a led government. But that does not mean remaining in cabinet but this was rarely mechanism to combat climate change. that a minor party can’t be an effective invoked. Then when the decision was They know that the ETS, or any other player in parliament for reforms while made to send troops to Afghanistan it market-based mechanism, cannot make continuing to build a movement outside provoked a bitter internal fight with the any real impact in combating a threat to of parliament as well for real change. vast majority of the party rejecting the humanity that has arisen as a conse- Similar disasters befell radical left or decision by Anderton and a major- quence of the free market system in the Green parties in many countries. In ity of Alliance MP’s to support the first place. most cases there existed a moderate government’s position. The Alliance was Protecting the environment and pro- centrist Labour or social democratic eliminated from parliament at the 2002 tecting the rights and living standards of party that had strong support from election and Anderton’s faction has sim- the vast majority of people in the world working people but was committed to ply been absorbed into the Labour Party. requires the system of capitalism to be the existing system including the system The problem for a genuinely radical superseded. That requires a radical social of worldwide alliances with the US-led party is that it only has minority sup- and political movement that aspires to western imperial ambitions. port and cannot impose any significant win a majority in the country – not sim- Pressure always comes on the smaller policy change on a party committed ply assume the role of “junior partner” more radical party to oppose the more to the existing system. So long as that to a party that remains fundamentally right wing parties and support the system is based on serving the 1% them committed to the current system. “lesser evil” of social democracy. Many only small and relatively minor progres- The Mana Movement, which is in my working people who either have illu- sive changes are achievable. That was view a system challenging movement, sions that their traditional party will the case for the Alliance which achieved may also face a similar problem if the make real change, or simply accept – the establishment of Kiwibank and election is close and Labour and the albeit unenthusiastically – the reality of Paid Parental Leave and some labour Greens (and NZ First?) require their lesser evilism will also often want their law reforms despite significant opposi- vote to form a government. They too party to ally with parties to their left tion from elements in the Labour Party will be in a position to negotiate some rather than their right in the hope of at the time. But these changes weren’t reforms that benefit the people who more progressive policies emerging. It is enough to significantly change the posi- support it as part of a negotiated agree- always worth remembering that not all tion of working people in the country. ment to allow a Labour-led government Labour governments are a lesser evil. It They weren’t enough to give people to be formed. By doing so they will would be hard to argue that was true for hope that unemployment could be respect the fact that for now they are the 1984-90 Labour government. eliminated, inequality radically reduced, a minority party and the majority of This was true in 1999 in New Zealand. democratic control exerted over the key the people they want to represent have There was genuine enthusiasm when sectors of the economy. voted for Labour or the Greens. That Helen Clark extended the olive branch If the Alliance had remained outside of democratic choice can be respected. to the Alliance Party at its conference cabinet it could probably have nego- At the same time Mana can retain that year and what was effectively an tiated for all the changes it actually their freedom of criticism and ability alternative coalition in waiting won the achieved but remained free to agitate to organise at the grass roots for the

Fightback Issue 5 2014 27 National politics

Mike Treen holds that the Alliance going into coalition with Labour destroyed the organization. The same question and challenge faces the Mana Movement.

generally timid reforms to go further tem “work” they can’t escape ultimately destruction. Movements like Mana can or against any reactionary policies that disappointing their their own support- then provide a progressive alternative such a government will inevitably end ers because for this system to work it for those people rather than have that up promoting. So long as these parties will continue to produce economic crisis, disappointment captured by the right. in government are trying to make a sys- unemployment and environmental 28 Fightback Issue 5 2014