Key Takeaways
- The National Party’s former president, Sue Wood, has expressed discomfort with the party’s current stance on various issues, including the Pay Equity Amendment Bill.
- The bill was rushed through under urgency, dropping 33 current claims and requiring workers to reapply, which Wood criticizes for lack of consultation and clear communication.
- Wood believes that the current political structure, including MMP, has undermined access to a genuine voice in Parliament and centralized power around party caucuses.
- She argues that half of the members of Parliament are not accountable to real people and real electorates, which is not how democracy is meant to work.
- Wood is writing her memoir, which will cover her colorful life and experiences as a politician and social liberal.
Introduction to Sue Wood’s Concerns
Sue Wood, the former president of the National Party, has expressed her discomfort with the party’s current stance on various issues, including the Pay Equity Amendment Bill. She feels that the party has changed significantly since her time, and she would be "quite uncomfortable" in it now. Wood’s comments come after the Government rushed the Pay Equity Amendment Bill through under urgency in May, which she criticizes for lack of consultation and clear communication. The bill drops 33 current claims, representing thousands of workers, and requires them to reapply, which Wood believes is a drastic course of action that was not justified.
The Pay Equity Amendment Bill
The Pay Equity Amendment Bill has been a contentious issue, with the Government arguing that it could save billions of dollars. However, Wood believes that the bill was rushed through without proper consultation and communication. She argues that retrospective legislation is always chilling and that the Government should have taken a more careful approach. Wood’s criticism is not just limited to the bill itself but also to the way it was handled by the Government. She believes that the Government should have taken the time to consult with stakeholders and communicate the reasons behind the bill more clearly. The lack of transparency and consultation has led to widespread criticism, and Wood’s comments reflect the concerns of many who feel that the Government has not done enough to address the issue of pay equity.
Sue Wood’s Background and Experience
Sue Wood has a long and storied history with the National Party. She was elected as president in her early 30s, despite opposition from the more conservative old guard. At the time, she was a feminist and social liberal, and her election was seen as a fresh voice for the party. Wood worked closely with then-Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, but their relationship was complicated. Muldoon’s decision to call a snap election without consulting Wood backfired, and the party was left with a short timeframe to run a campaign. The experience was difficult for Wood, who faced concerted attacks, including a protracted defamation case that was eventually dropped. Despite the challenges, Wood stayed on as president for a further two years, stepping down in 1986 on the National Party’s 50th anniversary.
Criticism of MMP and Current Political Structure
Wood is also critical of the current political structure, including MMP. She believes that the system has undermined access to a genuine voice in Parliament and centralized power around party caucuses. Wood argues that MMP was the worst choice for New Zealand and that it has given too much power to minor parties. She believes that political parties should not have as much control over representation and that members of Parliament should be more accountable to their electorates. Wood’s criticism of MMP is not new, but her comments reflect a deeper concern about the state of democracy in New Zealand. She believes that the current system is not serving the country well and that it needs to be reformed to give more power to individual members of Parliament and their constituents.
Conclusion and Reflections
Sue Wood’s comments offer a unique perspective on the current state of the National Party and the political structure in New Zealand. Her experience as a politician and social liberal provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of politics. Wood’s criticism of the Pay Equity Amendment Bill and MMP reflects a deeper concern about the lack of consultation and communication in politics. Her memoir, which is currently being written, promises to be a fascinating account of her life and experiences. As Wood reflects on her time in politics, it is clear that she is still passionate about the issues that matter to her, and her comments will undoubtedly spark further debate and discussion about the state of politics in New Zealand.
