The Labour Party: Which Way Forward? – A Wellington Socialist Society Panel Discussion

There have been three periods of major transformation in Aotearoa’s political economy: the 1890s, the 1930s, and the 1980s. Founded in 1916, the Labour Party was responsible for the latter two transformations, while the Liberal Party – in many ways the precursor to Labour – was responsible for the first. Aotearoa’s right-wing parties have never been reformers, their function has simply been to preside over and tweak the agenda set by the Liberals and Labour.

Aotearoa’s neoliberal consensus is clearly entering its “soviet period”, signs of decline and contradiction are everywhere. Yet few politicians appear willing or even able to articulate an alternative. Labour is in a tight spot. If Aotearoa’s history is any guide, future change will not come from National and its allies but from the left. Yet it was Labour not National that was responsible for initiating neoliberalism in Aotearoa. Is Labour capable of progressive change any longer? The Labour Party came into existence through a split from the Liberals. Will Labour find itself outflanked by a new party of the left? If Aotearoa is going to move beyond neoliberalism, what would that look like? Is there really no alternative? Our panel will discuss these questions and more.

We are pleased to be joined by panelists Nureddin Abdurahman, a Labour WCC councillor for the Paekawakawa/Southern Ward; Jim McAloon, Professor of History at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington; and Justine Sachs, an Auckland-based organiser for the New Zealand Nurses Organisation.

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Event Proceedings:

6:00 pm – Doors Open

6:30 pm – Introductions

6:40 pm – Panelist Presentations

7:20 pm – Intermission

7:30 pm – Panel Q&A

For those unable to attend we will have a live stream on the Wellington Socialist Society Facebook page.

Drinks and food will be available to order from the bar. As always we are thankful to Bedlam & Squalor for hosting us.