Ahead of the election, we’re launching our election campaign: Stand Together 2023.
The campaign focuses on the issues that we as New Zealanders are all facing, and that we all recognise are important.
Surveys of our membership
In our survey of members you told us that the cost of living, climate change, and housing are key issues this
election. Flooding in the North Island shows the necessity of an urgent response to climate change. The cost
of living continues to climb. And for many, secure and affordable housing is just as unattainable as ever.
Public and community services are part of the solution to all these challenges, but they are also at risk.
Right-wing parties say they will cut funding if elected. These parties do not recognise all that you do for this country – all the services you provide for people, that keep Aotearoa working.
You, and the work that you do, are essential to a better future for Aotearoa. All your voices calling for community and public services to be part of progressive solutions can be powerful and influential.
We need to do more
This election could lead to the most progressive or right-wing government the country has seen in some time. We must vote, and vote for parties that will support the need for a better Aotearoa.
Our friends, colleagues, and whanau, share different views to us. It’s what makes us unique. They possibly share different views on who to vote for as well. Someone you know might be swayed by misinformation, not realising that when the parties attack community and public services, services they rely on, and your jobs, are at risk.
They might be a first-time voter who thinks “it doesn’t matter what I do my vote, it won’t make a difference”.
Despite our differences, we are all facing the same problems and community and public services are part of the solution. It is time to come together and vote for strong community and public services in a progressive Aotearoa.
Together we can make a difference with a values-based election
We can use our collective power to improve Aotearoa’s public services and the communities they serve.
We know our collective voice gives us strength. Now we need to strengthen this voice by having real, well-informed conversations about the issues, and how voting can make a difference.
We have put together some simple information to help you encourage others to vote for a progressive and equitable Aotearoa where the public service has the resources and conditions it requires to meet the needs of the people and help communities thrive.
This information is related to issues that are facing all New Zealanders, for you to share as widely as possible.
How do we do this
In this election, you have the power and the ability to share your worth. Whether it’s bringing friends and whānau onside or taking part in a campaign event, your union is behind you and your collective efforts will make a difference this election.
This journal shares the values that guide us, the issues we care about, and why others should be thinking about them when they vote.
We have developed a score card based on a series of questions we asked to political parties. This will help you and others see what the parties’ positions are on the values that matter most to us all.
Along with that, this issue of the journal has election guidance so you can be sure of your rights as a public servant.
You will read stories about misinformation, public services and the importance they offer, and a guide for first time voters.
All of this will help you talk, share and encourage people to vote for a better future for Aotearoa.
We encourage you to share copies of this journal, put up posters, and talk to friends and whānau. And when it comes time to vote, vote for the values and policies that will make Aotearoa a place where everyone can get what they need to thrive.
For more information, resources, including posters, social media shareables and videos visit standtogether2023.co.nz.
Our values
Being active and informed during an election enables us all to come together to support our vision for progressive Aotearoa.
The hardship felt across the country by many is driving the election debate this year.
To stimulate your thinking about the election and to help you discuss the issues with others, we have developed a series of summaries of election issues for you.
We have focused on subjects that matter to PSA members, and that we all need to be thinking about when it comes time to vote.
Community and Public Services
We want the people of New Zealand Aotearoa to have excellent, universal public and community services enabling, everyone to have the resources they need. Public Services are essential for strong communities.
Yet public services are stretched by not having enough resourcing, not being universal, not having the capacity to ensure that they are equitable. As well, parties on the right are threatening to severely cut public services.
When you vote this election, look for a party that will, resource the public service sufficiently and ensures the equitable delivery of public services to Māori and our most vulnerable
Tax
Public services play a key role in Aotearoa's future. These services are funded by taxation. Currently our tax system does not collect enough money to adequality fund public services, and vast amounts of wealth are left untaxed.
Tax is a way for us to pay for services collectively as a country so, the costs of services do not fall unfairly on people who are already struggling to pay their bills. We need to see a better funded tax system that generates revenue from those who can afford it while easing pressure on those who are less able to pay.
Climate
For many, climate change is posing an imminent threat to families, and their homes. We have heard a lot of talk from the government, politicians, and businesses but little meaningful action.
We want an Aotearoa that is truly clean and green. A country that has drastically reduced emissions, uses energy and resources that are renewable, and nurtures and protects the natural environment.
We want a country that is protected from the effects of climate change that we’re already experiencing while working to prevent worse happening in the future. And we want to ensure that communities that are at risk from climate change get the resources and support they need to adapt, and for workers in high-emission industries to have a clear and just pathway to transition to cleaner jobs.
Cost of living
We want everyone to have access to what they need to live and thrive, it’s not just about the 'essentials', everyone deserves enough to live a fulfilled and joyful life.
We can come together to solve the cost of living crisis by working towards the best outcomes for everyone, rather than a wealthy few.
We can make change by voting for a government that will:
- commit to public and community funding services to keep pace with the cost of living
- raise the minimum wage and rate of parental leave so both reflect the living wage.
- introduce rent control
- make public transport free
Local Government
Local Government serves the wellbeing of our communities. It provides us with libraries, recycling, parks, and swimming pools to name just a few of the valuable resources we all enjoy.
Strong public and community services are at the heart of thriving communities across Aotearoa.
To continue to thrive, we need to see a government that supports local government with actions like:
- Enabling local government to have sustainable funding that goes beyond rates.
- Continuing the water services reforms currently underway
- Acting on the recommendations of the future local government review.
Pay Equity and Industrial relations.
Everyone should be compensated fairly for the work they do. We should all feel safe and supported in our jobs.
Everyone should receive the same pay for the jobs that are of equal value, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or sexuality.
Unions have played a part in delivering pay equity for many and will continue to do so. However, the next government could also roll back the valuable gains we have made in pay equity.
