Political commentator Matthew Tukaki says the Government is beginning to look increasingly “unhinged”, arguing the political agenda has become dominated by divisive debates while major economic and social issues facing New Zealanders continue to mount.
Wrapping up the week’s political developments with Radio Waatea, Tukaki said the country is entering a pivotal stage of the election campaign, with voters facing significant decisions about the economy, democratic institutions and public safety.
Among the biggest talking points has been National leader Christopher Luxon’s proposal to hold a referendum on New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system if re-elected.
The proposal has drawn criticism from constitutional experts, who have questioned the wisdom of holding an MMP referendum alongside a vote on extending the parliamentary term to four years, warning it could create confusion over two significant constitutional questions.
Tukaki said debates over the electoral system should not distract from the pressing issues affecting everyday New Zealanders.
He also pointed to growing concern about the long-term planning of major infrastructure projects.
Political leaders from across the spectrum have recently called for an end to the cycle of governments cancelling or redesigning projects every time power changes hands, arguing New Zealand needs greater certainty to deliver transport, housing and public infrastructure efficiently.
Tukaki said the country cannot afford continual political resets that delay investment and undermine public confidence.
The discussion also turned to the growing influence of money in politics following new figures showing large anonymous political donations have climbed to almost half a million dollars so far during the election year.
The increase has renewed debate over transparency in political funding and whether current disclosure rules provide sufficient public accountability.
Tukaki said trust in democratic institutions depends not only on fair elections but also on public confidence in how political parties are funded.
He also reflected on the Government’s expansion of citizen’s arrest powers, which is due to come into effect within days.
Supporters argue the changes provide retailers and the public with additional tools to respond to offending, while critics have warned they could increase the risk of confrontation and place members of the public in dangerous situations.
Tukaki questioned whether legislative changes of that nature addressed the underlying causes of crime or simply shifted greater responsibility onto ordinary New Zealanders.
Economic pressures also remained front of mind throughout the discussion.
The latest labour market figures show unemployment has reached its highest level in more than a decade, with Māori unemployment rising into double digits and Māori rangatahi among those hardest hit.
Tukaki said employment, economic opportunity and whānau wellbeing should be dominating the national conversation as the election approaches.
Instead, he believes political debate is becoming increasingly polarised while the country’s most urgent challenges continue to demand practical, long-term solutions.
With only months until voters head to the polls, Tukaki said the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether political leaders focus on constitutional battles or the everyday issues affecting families across Aotearoa.
For him, the election will ultimately be judged not by political rhetoric, but by which parties can demonstrate credible plans to improve jobs, infrastructure, public confidence and the future wellbeing of New Zealand communities.
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