New Zealanders like to think their democratic system is one of the least corrupt in the world. But the system has a massive blind spot when it comes to political finance and inequality.
Wealth has become increasingly concentrated in New Zealand since the 1980s – yet there are no meaningful curbs on political donations, allowing major imbalances in access to politicians and influence over decisions. Meanwhile there are growing concerns about foreign interference in New Zealand elections.
In this public lecture hosted and brought to Tauranga by Mackenzie Elvin Law, Auckland University’s Timothy Kuhner and Victoria University’s Max Rashbrooke will discuss their research into economic inequality and its threat to both democracy and the wider functioning of our society.
This election-week lecture is set amidst multiple SFO investigations into political financing in New Zealand, affecting both major parties and New Zealand First. Meanwhile the continuing revelations by Professor Anne-Marie Brady of Canterbury University and others have raised concerns about the influence of the Communist Party of China and other foreign actors on our democratic system.