Many New Zealanders have a sense that all isn't well in our slice of paradise. Perhaps there is an issue or agenda that pushes your 'hot button' and you want to speak up or do something, but don't know how. The tools in this section are designed to get you started. You can make a positive difference now - and for generations to come.
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Political parties need to hear from you! The closer political parties are to the community, the better it is for everyone. You won’t find your perfect political party unless you start one yourself, but as with all parts of the democratic process, those who don’t get involved abdicate influence to those who do. Joining a political party is as simple as paying your subscription (these are usually minimal) and turning up to a local meeting. Don’t just complain that politicians never listen; sign up, speak up, turn up, and they will!
To read about New Zealand’s political parties, the history of the parties, policies and philosophies, please visit:
http://www.nzvotes.org/index.cfm/Parties
Youth wings of political parties
If you are young and interested in politics, youth wings of political parties are a great place to learn, to talk through issues, hone your skills, and get involved. Several parties have a dedicated youth wing:
Labour www.younglabour.org.nz
National www.youngnats.org.nz
Green www.greens.org.nz/about/youth
United Future www.unitedfuture.org.nz/youth
ACT www.actoncampus.org.nz
Are you bothered about what is going on around campus? Do you have you some great ideas to change things, or do you just wonder what the Students' Association does with your levy? Why not consider standing for election to your Student Association Executive and make a difference on campus. All of New Zealand’s universities have a Students' Association, and there are several roles on the Executive which must be filled each year.
For more information:
| NZUSA | www.students.org.nz |
| Auckland | www.ausa.auckland.ac.nz |
| Victoria | www.vuwsa.org.nz |
| Waikato | www.wsu.org.nz |
| AUT | www.ausm.org.nz |
| Massey | www.musa.org.nz |
| Canterbury | www.ucsa.org.nz |
| Lincoln | www.lusa.org.nz |
| Otago | www.ousa.org.nz |
Ensure you are registered to vote
The franchise is a precious right. It allows everyone, great and small, a share in the government of this country and a say in what happens to it. With voter turn-out declining in both local and national elections, it is vital for a functioning democracy that we value the vote, and use it to get the widest, best and most representative parliament possible.
To be eligible to vote in the New Zealand general elections you must be 18 years or over and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. To vote, you must register on the Electoral Roll (either the general or the Maori roll) before the next general election.
You can enrol online and access further information here:
http://www.elections.govt.nz/enrolment/how_to_enrol_to_vote.html
