Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand has largely avoided such extremes as recently seen in the US with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. But it would be naive to assume it couldn’t happen here, writes political commentator Bryce Edwards.
He argues that New Zealand must address political differences more effectively before the threat of violence escalates.
Edwards cites examples of provocative language such as David Seymour’s jokes about blowing up government departments and Chloe Swarbrick’s controversial chants. He suggests that extreme political rhetoric can incite violence.
Race politics in New Zealand, especially regarding ethnicity, racism, and Treaty of Waitangi issues, is highly polarised, according to Edwards.
The recent rhetoric from Te Pati Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer accusing the government of being “genocidal” highlights the escalating tensions.
Citing political commentator David Farrar, Edwards writes that such extreme language can lead to violence. This makes it imperative for political parties to distance themselves from such discourse.
Edwards discusses a survey of MPs revealing increasing harassment and threats. 98% experiencing harassment and 40% threatened with physical violence.
Growing discontent with New Zealand’s political and economic systems fuels this anger. This rising toxicity is driving people away from politics, weakening democracy, he argues.
Polling suggests two-thirds believe the economy is rigged for the rich, and the rising populist sentiment indicates a deepening divide. Edwards writes that addressing these issues is central to preventing extreme polarisation.
