31 October 2008
NZ's conservatives ready to tap mood for change
This is one very important election which could have profound implications for Australia - and there's not a moose-shooting hockey mom in sight. New Zealand goes to the polls on Saturday November the 8th, and with around 10 per cent of the Kiwi population in Australia at any given time, the poll is fair game for some National Interest scrutiny. The political landscape across the ditch looks familiar: a prime minister in office for many years is being challenged by an energetic new opposition leader whose image can't be dented - not even by the admission of visiting a strip club. Meanwhile, out in the electorate there's a real mood for change. But while there may be echoes of Kevin 07, there are complicating factors too: for a start, it's Labour that's gone stale in office and the conservative National Party that's making the political comeback . Add to that New Zealand's proportional voting system, which makes minority government the most likely outcome, and you have an intriguing political scenario.
Guests
Associate Professor Claire Robinson
Head of the Institute of Communications Design, Massey University
Further Information
Presenter
Peter Mares
Producer
James Panichi
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