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NZ POLITICS DAILY: A three or four year term?
Do we need more governing and less democracy?
That’s the question being put in the proposal to extend the parliamentary term from three to four years. The trade off between democracy and greater governing is worth making according to the ‘political class’, which is almost wholly united over the issue. Across the political spectrum, MPs and commentators seem to favour increasing the time between elections to four years with a fixed election date – see Adam Bennett’s Opposition parties give support to 4 year term.
Many proponents of a longer term seem to think the benefits are self-evident. David Farrar outlines the main argument against a three-year cycle: ‘It gives very little time for Governments to design and implement policies before the politics of election campaigns interfere’ – see: The term of Parliament. You can read other favourable reactions to the idea in various newspaper editorials: the Dominion Post’s Four more years?, the Herald’s Four year term better for country, the Manawatu Standard’s Four-year term makes sense, and the Southland Times’ Three years or more?
However there are some who are not accepting the ‘benefits’ of a longer term as a given. Graeme Edgeler does an excellent job of asking the questions that our MPs seem reluctant to ask of each other: ‘Well, too short to do what? What laws that we don’t presently have, do you think we would have today, if we had a four-year term?’ – see: A four-year parliamentary term. Edgeler lists a number of reasons why our governments already have more freedom of action than most other democracies: a single legislature, no entrenched Bill of Rights, a very strong parliamentary whip, no binding referenda, no election primary system, recall elections or a Head of State with veto powers – and he concludes ‘we should be reticent about abandoning the one major democratic check we actually have – our relatively short legislative term’.
Longer parliamentary terms must mean good government, right? Scott Yorke has the international evidence that proves it in Why we must have a four-year parliamentary term.
I also argue in a blog post that We need more democracy not less. I argued that the less frequent election cycle argument has lost quite a bit of meaning in modern politics where weekly polling and focus groups and massive parliamentary budgets means parties are in ‘permanent campaign’ mode anyhow. If anything, these days democrats should be demanding more frequent elections.
Perhaps the most thoughtful analysis of the benefits of the proposal was written in December by Tim Watkin in Parliament's 'short term' thinking – also using the ‘more governing, less politics’ argument. In the comments political scientist Jon Johansson made the important point: ‘Our history shows that we are very forgiving of most first term governments (Nash and Rowling the exceptions), largely because three years is not perceived as long enough. But, if we had a four year term, perhaps then perceptions would shift and results would be demanded earlier because it's one thing to commit to six years for one lot or the other, but eight?’.
If the desire of politicians to extend their parliamentary term is seen as self-serving, then so is the Government’s latest decision to continue to exempt Parliament from the Official Information Act. This is a point well made by former PM Geoffrey Palmer in Isaac Davison’s 'Self-interest' drives OIA review. Palmer says, ‘The reason why Parliament has never been included is that MPs don't want it... One has to remember that the Official Information Act, in my experience, is about as popular with ministers as pork in a synagogue’. He therefore has no time for the Government’s ‘not a priority’ argument.
Newspaper editorials are also unconvinced by the Government’s protection of MPs from the OIA. The Dominion Post says that arguments against the OIA covering Parliament are ‘poppycock’ – see: The short arm of the law. The editorial zeros in on the real reason why MPs don’t want the OIA to apply to themselves: ‘voters might have been able to compare the overall spending of individual MPs. It is for this reason, and no other, that MPs of all stripes, have steadfastly resisted making the body that funds them subject to the same rules as other state agencies. When it comes to themselves, politicians do not want the public knowing how its money is spent’. A Herald editorial is similarly scathing, labelling the MPs’ objections as ‘specious’ and a ‘smokescreen’, and sarcastically noting ‘No time here for the intangible luxuries of democracy ‘ – see: Quashing our right to know a lame insult.
The OIA a controversy is also heating up over the Government’s refusal to release information about it’s Hobbit deal with Hollywood – see Newswire’s Govt ordered to release Hobbit documents and Cassandra Mason’s Threats fly over Hobbit document release.
Other recent items of interest:
• The Government bailed out investors in South Canterbury Finance, so shouldn’t they intervene in the Mainzeal collapse? Colin Espiner argues that the ‘Government is missing in action over the shock receivership of one of the country’s largest construction companies’ – see: Government must get involved in Mainzeal fiasco.
• There are a large number of post-Waitangi views available. They are evenly divided between the notion that ‘we shouldn’t have to put up with this nonsense’ and ‘it may be painful but protest is an important part of the day and our politics’ camps. Simon Day had probably the most upbeat report saying that with water rights at the top of the agenda, ‘granny gate’ and the Prime Minister warning against the consequences of Maori extremists for New Zealand's national day, Waitangi sounded ready to explode. Instead, yesterday was one of the most peaceful, celebratory Waitangi Days at the Treaty Grounds in years’ – see: That Jubilant atmosphere at Waitangi. Also worth watching is Tova O’Brien’s Meet the Harawiras.
• We should view Maori politics more in terms of class politics (socialist vs capitalist) than race or culture says Paul Buchanan in Maori Socialism versus Maori Capitalism?
• Apparently most of us are fine with the label that Maori have given those of European descent: Pakeha label ka pai for most. Notably, however, 53% prefer the title ‘New Zealander’ over Pakeha (31%).
• More governing and less politics also seems to be the call from Tainui’s chief commercial advisor Henry van der Heyden who advocates the abolition of the tribal parliament and executive – see James Ihaka’s Sir Henry calls for windup of Tainui parliament.
• Are the Maori seats only for ‘Maori parties’ to contest? Pita Sharples seems to think so and says that Labour’s recently stated intention to try and win back seats from the Maori Party (‘Placing candidates in Maori seats that are subject to Pakeha leadership, to a Pakeha caucus, to a Pakeha kaupapa’) ‘is tantamount to abolition’ – see Andrea Vance’s Sharples slams Labour Maori seat move. Sharples also doesn’t appear to be willing to give up his leadership position without a fight – see Claire Trevett’s Sharples will fight to hold party leadership.
• Consultant Ryan Malone has some advice for the Government if it wants to survive into a third term, including ‘it’s the economy, stupid’, get the Christchurch rebuild pumping, get some traction on its public sector targets, housing and find a sizeable coalition partner or support party – see: How National can keep the flame burning.
• A drop in the latest unemployment stats is little cause for celebration, as it appears to reflect a contraction in total employment rather than more jobs. The job market appears to be "shockingly weak" according to economists – see James Weir’s Jobs market weakness 'shocking'. And those signing on for the dole will be amongst the most discriminated citizens according to UMR research – see Michael Dickison’s Beneficiaries 'attacked on all sides'.
• There’s a relatively supportive review of TVNZ’s Seven Sharp – surprisingly from Chris Trotter – see: Tone all-important if show to hook young demographic.
• Finally, lefty-liberal Toby Manhire makes a very good argument in favour of privatisation for TVNZ – see: Perhaps now's a good time to sell off TVNZ. But surely the exact same arguments could be made for the 100% sale of the power companies too.
Bryce Edwards
NZPD Editor (bryce.edwards@
Today's content:
Four-year parliamentary term
Graeme Edgeler (Public Adrdress): A four-year parliamentary term
Bryce Edwards (liberation): We need more democracy not less - arguments against a 4-year term
Scott Yorke (Imperator Fish): Why we must have a four-year parliamentary term
The Standard: Against a four year term
Adam Bennett (Herald): Opposition parties give support to 4 year term
Simon Day (Stuff): Key wants four-year term for Parliament
Claire Trevett (Herald): Leaders support four year term
Tova O’Brien (TV3): Key pushes for four-year terms
Peter Wilson (Newswire): Key favours four-year Parliamentary term
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): The term of Parliament
Tim Watkin (Pundit): Floating the idea of a four year term
The Watercooler: 4 year terms; More governing, less politics
Warwick Rasmussen (Manawatu Standard): Editorial – Four-year term makes sense
Will de Cleene (Gonzo): Quid pro quo
Ele Ludemann (Homepaddock): Four-year fixed term
The Jackal: Four years is too long
Pete George (Your NZ): Green conflict over four year term?
Pete George (Your NZ): Metiria clarifies position on four year term
Southland Times: Editorial – Three years or more?
The Dominion Post: Editorial – Four more years?
Keeping Stock: "Four more years boys..."
Martyn Bradbury (Tumeke): Why a 4 year term would be madness
Stephen Franks: Four Year Terms for Parliament?
Pete George (Your NZ): Wayne Mapp on four year terms
Waitangi Day and nationhood
John Armstrong (Herald): We're stuck with the day and stuck with the venue
Tahu Potiki (Stuff): John Key the meat in a kaumatua sandwich
Jane Clifton (Listener): Why, why, Waitangi …
Russell Brown (Public Address): What did you do yesterday?
Claire Trevett (Herald): Key wants Waitangi to keep its edge
Claire Trevett (Herald): Key waits on 'Granny-gate'
Simon Day (Stuff): Jubilant atmosphere at Waitangi
Timaru Herald: Editorial – Stop the pandering
Toby Manhire (Listener): The true message of John Kerry’s Waitangi Day statement
Integrity talking points: Building a treaty on idealism
Vaimoana Tapaleao (Herald): Kerry's big note to NZ
Kim Choe (TV3): Treaty of Waitangi ‘a brick wall’ – Mai Chen
Dominion Post: Editorial – National day to celebrate and honour
Kim Choe (TV3): John Key says Waitangi protesters 'short sighted'
Claire Trevett (Herald): Key wants Waitangi to keep its edge
Simon Day (Stuff): Waitangi: PM vows to keep coming back
Taranaki Daily News: Editorial – A time for respect, not chaos and insults
Hazel Phillips (Idealog): Stop the name game – let’s add New Zealand
Colin James (ODT): Of beaches, hobbits and underarm bowlers
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): The PM and Waitangi Day
Tova O’Brien (TV3): Meet the Harawiras
Tim Watkin (Pundit): Why a little flag waving wouldn't hurt us, Mr Key
Kate Shuttleworth (Herald): Obama sends Waitangi Day congratulations
Kenneth Setiu (Stuff): How do Kiwis celebrate Waitangi Day?
Claire Trevett (Herald): Protests give Maori greater power - Sharples
Claire Trevett (Herald): Waitangi is just how it should be, warts and all
Yvonne Tahana (Herald): Little Haramai epitomises welcome in Ngapuhi-land
Vernon Small (Stuff): Waitangi kuia stoush a sideshow
Waikato Times: Editorial – Constitutional debate
Vernon Small (Stuff): Key willing to listen to Maori voices
David Kennedy (Local bodies): Waitangi Day Thoughts.
Amelia Wade (Herald): Silver Fern touted as better flag
Murial Newman (NZCPR): Our national day of shame
Martin Devlin (NZCPR): Why "celebrate" Waitangi Day?
Greg Presland (Waitakere News): Waitangi Day - Key gets out the dog whistle
Tim Selwyn (Tumeke): Waitangi: When’s the Land Coming Back?
Nelson Mail: Editorial: New Waitangi or just a breather?
Catherine Delahunty (Frogblog): Reflections of Waitangi Day
Maori politics and ethnicity
Paul Buchanan (Kiwipolitico): Maori Socialism versus Maori Capitalism?
Yvonne Tahana (Herald): Tribes talk further payouts
Mai Chen: Waitangi alive and well in court
Carrie Stoddart (Ellipsister): Waitangi Day faux pas - Mana what were you thinking?
Stuff: Pakeha label ka pai for most
James Ihaka (Herald): Sir Henry calls for windup of Tainui parliament
Dean Cowie (ODT): Challenges still as end to Treaty claims nears
Claire Trevett (Herald): Sharples will fight to hold party leadership
Andrea Vance (Stuff): Sharples slams Labour Maori seat move
The Northland Age: Calls for Maori Flags in Schools
Yvonne Tahana (NZ Herald): Axe iwi parliament, says king's man
Novopay and education
David Fisher (Herald): Novopay: Pair's fortunes fade as crisis hits and payroll system fails
Kate Chapman and Hamish Rutherford (Stuff): Two-year wait to sort Novopay
Timaru Herald: Editorial – How did it all go so wrong?
Nelson Mail: Editorial – Novopay debacle hurting Government
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): How to fix school payroll problems
Scott Yorke (Imperator Fish): Joyce Reveals Plan For New School Payroll System
Alastair Bull (TV3): New education head impresses principals
John Minto (NZ Herald): Special deal for privileged pupils
Catherine Woulfe (Listener): Documents reveal school system revamp
Tina Law (Stuff): Parents dig deep for free education
OIA reform
Isaac Davison (Herald): 'Self-interest' drives OIA review
Dominion Post: Editorial: The short arm of the law
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): NRT on OIA review
Cassandra Mason (Herald): Threats fly over Hobbit document release
Newswire: Govt ordered to release Hobbit documents
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): OIA and Parliament
No Right Turn: Hiding behind "commercial sensitivity"
Economy
Patrick Gower (TV3): Government given another 'fix it' job
James Weir (Stuff): Jobs market weakness 'shocking'
Brian Fallow (Herald): Strong NZ dollar only part of the story
Ellen Read and James Weir (Stuff): Unemployment may spike back
Russell Norman (Frogblog): Liam Dann on defending the status quo
Colin Espiner (Stuff): Government must get involved in Mainzeal fiasco
Andrea Vance (Stuff): Govt admits job figures 'volatile'
Robert Winter (Idle thoughts): Where is Labour?
Bryan Gould (Herald): NZ swims against exchange rate tide
Peter Lyons (Herald): How we go about inflation
Media
Toby Manhire (Herald): Perhaps now's a good time to sell off TVNZ
Chris Trotter (Stuff):Tone all-important if show to hook young demographic
Russell Brown (Public Address): Media3 Nights
Caitlin Sykes (Stuff): Unlimited is going digital
Warwick Rasmussen (Manawatu Standard): Hold the knives for Seven Sharp
Diana Wichtel (Listener): Sharp? If only
Other
The Standard: On engagement with the Labour caucus
Brian Rudman (Herald): Billboard rule a fun killer
Michael Dickison (Herald): Beneficiaries 'attacked on all sides'
Ryan Malone (Stuff): How National can keep the flame burning
The Press: Editorial – Time to act on housing
Pete George (Your NZ): Are Greens guilty of a serious political crime?
Gordon Campbell (Scoop): On Julia Gillard, and a Holmes footnote
Matt Nippert (Stuff): National Party president complains of 'covert video surveillance
Brian Rudman (Herald): Bureaucrats more destructive than quakes
Stuff: Today in politics: Wednesday, February 6
Hamish Rutherford (Stuff): Mayor taking part in asset sales rally 'risky'
Catherine Harris (Stuff): Ministry stone-walling on SkyCity - Labour
Marika Hill (Stuff): John Minto: 'Police singled me out'
The Press: Editorial – Damage to Defence
Newswire: Asset sales referendum likely
Rosemary McLeod (Stuff): Holmes outstanding but only a few are truly great
Gordon Campbell (Scoop): On income inequality, and Tunisia
Parliament: Webcasts of select committee meetings
Fairfax (Stuff): Today in politics: Friday, February 8
David Fisher (NZ Herald): PM pressed on film piracy
Rachel Glucina (NZ Herald): MP makes no Mustique
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Comments and questions5
The four year term may be OK provided the men and women at the top positions are limited to 2 terms. That way we would get policy change for the benefit of NZ and not policy for re-election.
Governments are like diapers and should be changed regularly for exactly the same reason.
Give them four years and they'll start to think 5 or 6.
Hell No.
Yes. Five year terms as in the UK would provide a real chance for new policies and a chance to return to an open, market, liberal society. Or anyway one in which any government is under less pressure from short term political reaction and the election cycle. In the UK full five year terms are really served, with govts going for elections at what appears an optune time. This might or might not be the case in NZ, But I am fairly certain Muldoon would have lost power well before the end of a second five year term and the colonels -McLay, Quigley, Bolger, Freidlander would more likely have succeded in an internal coup.
Since when are political parties not campaigning, whether in office or in opposition? If anything, the last several decades have demonstrated that many of those whom we elect to represent us have a stronger will to exercise power than to serve their constituents and many simply cannot be trusted. I'll stick with the three year term, thanks, but MMP needs to be dumped along with the system of unelected list MPs.
A wide review of Parliament is timely, now that MMP has reached a level of maturity .
I'm concerned about the massive increase in legislation being pushed through under urgency.
The role and powers of the Committes need to be reviewed.
A four year term has merits, within a wider set reforms.