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Barack Obama’s slogan in the American elections is “Change we can believe in” … proposing that there is hope and a belief that in the United States change is not only long overdue but is needed.
And change is needed, considering the Bush Administration’s inept foreign policy, the disastrous invasion and subsequent war in Iraq, intellectual bankruptcy, economic meltdown and sky rocketing unemployment.
In Aotearoa, some politicians are proposing that it is also time for a change, but offer no better reasoning that ‘change’ is long overdue, being inclined to be short on specific reasons why and long on rhetoric.
The most common theme seems to be along the lines “that lot (Labour) has been in far too long” and “it’s a nanny state!” In my humble view, emotive politicking with little if any substance.
I digress.
I wish to propose that in our nation of over four million people, that relying on the old adage “change for change’s sake” as a catch cry does us all a disservice. That what we need, is a consistent, logical and methodical political approach underscored by firm and realistic political principles.
A political reality that can only be achieved by supporting the re-election of a Labour-led Government, preferably in partnership with the Green Party of Aotearoa.
So why after nine years of a Labour-led coalition Government should citizens provide their voting support once again?
Quite simply, there is no need to move away from the prudent, progressive and inclusive governance approach that prevails.

Whilst all would acknowledge that the world’s current financial situation is challenging to say the least, one would then have to question the logic behind changing from a Government of known and proven quality to one of untried and speculative ability.
And dare I say, a potential Government occupied by some rather questionable characters. Wasn’t it National’s Bill English who recently said that winning is what it is all about regardless of “high stated principles?”
The reality is that we all benefit from a Labour-led coalition Government: lower taxes, higher state benefits and National Superannuation, balanced employment legislation, considerably increased investment in physical infrastructure, provision for retirement through Kiwi Saver and the Superannuation Fund, improved Defense capability, a higher minimum wage, increased spending on Education and Health, an improved Student Loans system and Working for Families, to name just a handful of important changes made under Labour’s leadership.

So I have to ask the obvious question: Why would the electors of Aotearoa actively seek to place at risk or roll back so many gains?

Financially we are better off. With lower taxes and the working for families package, Kiwi families are able to meet the increasing costs of raising children in a modern world. To be able to afford much of which many of us would consider the basic building blocks of what has made our society what it is.

Fairer employment laws mean that there is finally a balance within the working relationship, that there is an obligation on both parties (employer and employee) to work together to resolve issues and address matters such as decent wages in a reasoned manner. The Employment Relations Act has delivered higher wages, improved conditions of employment and encouraged a collaborative approach to dispute resolution.

Those who receive National Superannuation are now receiving a fairer and higher level of income. Furthermore, with the SuperGold Card scheme public transport is now free and with increased subsidies for hearing aids and the Rates Rebate Scheme, in real terms there are marked improvements.

As a community we have always prided ourselves on having good social and physical infrastructure, the Labour-led coalition Government in my opinion has delivered substantial improvements.

Socially, we have seen unprecedented investment into improving our health and education systems, waiting lists (a creation of Labour’s predecessors) have been reduced. Nurses, Pharmacists, Orderlies, Care Associates and Hospital Cleaners are finally receiving the wages they rightfully deserve. And Health Boards have been a proactive investment by the Labour-led coalition Government.

Massive capital investment has been made into school development and expansion. The long festering sore of poorly paid teachers has also been addressed.

I think you get where I’m going with this. At the end of the day the voters of our nation will determine whether there will be a continuance of proactive and progressive politics or a return to the inane elitist polices of the 1990′s.

I will be supporting Labour because I’m proud of what’s been achieved.