Organise Aotearoa, a new socialist organisation for all of Aotearoa, has publicly launched today. The group is composed of Māori, Pākehā, and tauiwi, with the goal of undoing the violence inflicted by colonialism and capitalism.

“Organise Aotearoa aims to take back power for ordinary, working-class people,” says spokesperson Emilie Rākete. “We live in a wealthy, secure country. Nobody should have to live in mouldy rentals that make them sick. Nobody should have to scrape by on an unlivable minimum wage.”

“New Zealanders are suffering because the rich control the economy. Organise Aotearoa believes that workers ourselves should control the wealth we produce.”

Organise Aotearoa has brought together workers, students, beneficiaries, unionists, teachers, and people from every walk of life. “Aotearoa is a wealthy country, and there is more than enough for everybody. Our goal is socialism — for the resources of this country to be democratically owned and controlled by working people,” says Rākete.

Organise Aotearoa is not a parliamentary party. “We recognise that traditional political structures have failed. The so-called “Labour” party is sanctioning single mothers on welfare and sending soldiers to terrorise the Middle East. It doesn’t stand with working people,” Rākete argues.

“We believe a new world requires a new kind of politics. Organise Aotearoa is a mass movement in which everybody is welcome and anybody can play a part.”

Tino rangatiratanga, or Māori sovereignty, is a core principle of Organise Aotearoa. “Organise Aotearoa acknowledges that the brutal dispossession of Māori was essential to the establishment of capitalism in New Zealand. We believe that both capitalism and colonialism must come to an end,” says Rākete.

“The Crown has never followed through on its treaty promises of tino rangatiratanga. For Māori to truly exercise mana motuhake, capitalism must be destroyed as well. These are twin aims of Organise Aotearoa.”

Over the next seven months, Organise Aotearoa will hold hui around the country on the key issues affecting New Zealanders, including housing, work, justice, and the environment. “We want to hear from everyday New Zealanders about their struggles and their dreams for more just, fair, and equal society,” says Rākete.

Membership is now open for anyone who agrees with the kaupapa of Organise Aotearoa.

ENDS

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