Nats to push ‘policy powerhouse’
National has revealed its plans to release eight major policy discussion documents in 2019.
The party’s caucus and higher ranking members have descended on Hamilton for a two-day ‘‘caucus retreat’’, to thrash out ways it might hold the Government to account, all the while presenting themselves as a ‘‘government in waiting’’.
High-profile former Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop has also jetted in as the party’s guest of honour, and will be speaking on current global trends at a private dinner for MPS.
But the spectre of a police investigation into a text allegedly sent to ousted MP Jami-lee Ross from the phone of National MP Sarah Dowie, threatens to pose a distraction.
The text said (among other things) he ‘‘deserved to die’’ and Ross has attributed it as one reason he sought to end his life, despite the text being sent two months earlier.
Dowie, whom Ross has previously confirmed he had an affair with, alerted authorities who eventually found him and had him committed to a mental health unit for a time.
National Party leader Simon Bridges would not be drawn on whether Dowie was an unwelcome distraction for the party, instead commenting on the work she was doing in her electorate and the strategy plans over the next two days.
A large part of National’s strategy over the next year will likely be an attempt to position itself as a policy powerhouse that will not have to establish myriad working groups when in Government.
Typically easier said than done from the Opposition benches, which often suffer from the absence of resources governing parties have at their disposal. However, Bridges has indicated some of the strategy planning sessions will also centre on better using online resources to engage with the public, as well as information sessions with a more global focus.
And he has also revealed the areas which National will be focusing on, in releasing discussion documents with a large-scale public consultation process to ultimately shape the party’s policy, heading into next year’s election.
‘‘Our policy discussion documents will cover issues including the economy, law and order, infrastructure, education and health.
‘‘You will see us stick to our core principles like ensuring New Zealanders can keep more of what they earn and providing world-class public services. We will also propose some new thinking for discussion, and take the feedback on board,’’ he said.
‘‘Our first discussion document will be released this month and focus on the environment.
‘‘We know New Zealanders trust us to look after the economy, we want them to know they can trust us with the environment as well.’’
National has already implemented its first phase policy development, with its ‘‘Have Your Say’’ campaign.
Bridges said 10,000 New Zealanders had so far responded with ideas for families, small business, looking after seniors and supporting rural New Zealand. The final campaign and discussion document will be targeted at young New Zealanders.
It’s understood the caucus retreat will be divided into two separate themes across the two days.
Yesterday was to be centrally focused on presentations with regards to longer-term strategy, while today was likely to be designated for specific target setting as the party readies itself to enter the unofficial election period from late this year.
Bridges said he agreed with comments made by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at her party’s caucus retreat last week, ‘‘this is the year of delivery’’.
‘‘But we won’t be waiting for the Government – we will get on with delivering our positive plans and proposals throughout 2019 and 2020 so New Zealanders know what National will do in the 2020s.’’
‘‘You will see us stick to our core principles like ensuring New Zealanders can keep more of what they earn.’’
National Party leader Simon Bridges