Thursday, February 2, 2006

United Future looks ahead

United Future's focus in the coming Parliamentary term must be as the champion of families, local people and local issues, party leader Peter Dunne said today.

This follows a day-long United Future combined Board ? caucus meeting in Wellington that reviewed the 2005 campaign and examined what needs to be done to make United Future a significant force in Parliament after the next election.

"Our positive family message has struck a chord with people, so much so that virtually every other party now claims to be family friendly. We want to take our interest in family issues to the next level ? where we focus on the role of families in building effective communities.

"United Future is the only party with principle-centred policies designed for families and communities living in the new globalised society of the early 21st century.

"Rather we are optimistic about tomorrow ? believing that we can build a better future today if we move forward based on the best of "kiwi community" values that have served us so well in the past.

"Everyone wants a place to belong and to identify with. United Future places huge value on local identity and local decision-making. We want to see the decisions that affect people made at` the level closest to them ? be it in their family, their neighbourhood, town, city or workplace.

"We oppose unnecessary bureaucracy and regulation. We also oppose the erosion of family and local community life and culture brought about by financial pressures of consumerism in the global marketplace.

"Promotion of community (including New Zealand identity) is part and parcel of the new United Future brand. We are proud of our 'great outdoors' lifestyle and will promote the right of every New Zealander to enjoy all aspects of our natural environment.

"Our political and economic institutions have grown too big to be responsive to the concerns of ordinary individuals, families and communities. Many New Zealanders ? particularly those who are older - feel that New Zealanders are rapidly losing control over their destiny. That is why we are at the forefront of promoting constitutional reform, to ensure that our major institutions remain in tune with the developing aspirations of our people.

"United Future is the only party that aims to empower individuals and families again ? in the context of community. We recognise that ultimately all politics are local politics and that enabling our families and communities to work effectively makes our country work effectively.

"United Future supports the traditional kiwi values that underpin our families and communities ? honesty, hard work, compassion, respect for others, and a generosity of spirit.

"That is why achieving real tax reform for businesses and individuals is a key priority for United Future and for me as Minister of Revenue. United Future and a fairer tax system go hand in hand.

"We will work constructively with the government and other parties on policies to advance these goals, but we will not hesitate to continue to stand out against policies that are bad for families and communities, no matter who promotes them.

"We want New Zealanders to know that they can rely on United Future to be the party standing up for their families and communities," said Mr Dunne.

The meeting also set targets for membership, policy formation and fundraising that will contribute towards a successful campaign at the next election.

ENDS

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