The 100-day plan

3 out of 10.

The Labour /NZFirst collation has been given a 3/10 for its first 100 days in office by the Opportunities Party.

TOP’s policy research unit has analyzed the policy promises and achievements of the Adern/Peters government against their campaign rhetoric.

Party Leader Dr Gareth Morgan says,” In this new age of tabloid media, policy takes a back seat to smiles and barbeques. John Key was mister relatable, Teflon John, and now Jacinda Ardern has given a spark to young and old alike, they’re captivated by the optimism of progress. But when we dig beneath the surface, at the gears that drive these bold promises that Labour have made, there is a disconnect. The policy simply does not match up with the ideals.”

“For every step forward, the new Government has made, there are too many that tread water or worse are backwards steps. We saw hope in the Zero Carbon act and the wider climate change policies, but these do not offset backtracking on saving our waterways, broken promises on cannabis reform, or the farce that is the tax working group. Further, their approach to mental health and child poverty falls short - in part related to an inability to address overly-generous superannuation or confront the drivers of the housing crisis. “

TOP’s 100 report card reviews in detail each of the 17 policies released, and how it compares to best practice, evidenced based policies. TOP’s assessment is strictly about whether the policies announced are substantive, will likely deliver what their promotors assert, and will progress the state of well-being of New Zealanders. It’s important to differentiate policy substance from any popular public appeal that a policy, a policy announcement or indeed the mana of the messenger – might engender.

In response to the 100 day plan TOP interim leader Dr Gareth Morgan says “the rationale for the post-election optimism was ephemeral, flimsy. Are we so content, fat, comfortable and complacent that we don’t give a rat’s ass about inequality, let alone productivity and an economy that is both resilient and fulfils its potential”

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