The Opportunity Party has revealed its "bottom lines" for any possible coalition negotiations following the election.
It comes after the party registered a 6% result in the latest 1News Verian poll, above the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament without an electorate seat. It was down from 8% at the previous poll.
Leader Qiulae Wong has said Opportunity is open to working with both National and Labour, meaning it could be kingmaker if the result is repeated in November. National's Christopher Luxon has previously ruled out working with Opportunity, while Labour's Chris Hipkins has expressed concern at its tax policy.
Today, Wong said bringing down costs through better competition, lobbying regulations and a cap on political donations, a cross-party 10-year health plan, the phasing out of bottom trawling, and a recommitment to climate goals were “non-negotiables” for the party.
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“These are the minimum commitments we will require from the next government in return for our support,” she said.
Opportunity's full policy suite would remain on the table for negotiation.
"We will push for more, but these bottom lines represent the minimum standard we expect to see."
Wong said the next government "must have a clear action plan" to bring down costs and bills for New Zealand households.
She said stronger powers and independence for the Commerce Commission would help tackle “excessive market power” in supermarkets and uncompetitive sectors.
She also said the country needed an independent watchdog "with teeth" that had the power to investigate and intervene – including the power to force structural separation.
“Opportunity’s bottom line is that the next government actually does something about [costs] by giving the Commerce Commission the independence and tools it needs to take on excessive market power and bring prices down."
Wong told reporters: "This must be part of the solution to get our support in forming the next government."
The party is currently campaigning on reforms to lobbying and political donations – calling for a lobbying register, cool-off periods for departing politicians, a mandatory code of conduct, and a $30,000 donations cap.
“New Zealanders deserve to know who is trying to influence their government, and no one should be able to buy disproportionate political influence,” Wong said
“We will require real reform of lobbying and political donations.”
To develop a 10-year health plan, Opportunity wanted politicians from both sides to work alongside health professionals, with “clear commitments on funding, workforce and infrastructure”.
“Doctors, nurses and patients need certainty. A 10-year plan would give the health system a stable direction for its workforce, infrastructure and funding,” Wong said.
“To get our support, the next government will have to build a plan that can survive changes of government. Any future government that needs our support will have to stick to that plan.”
She said the plan "must be a map, not just an aspirational destination".
Wong said the phase-out of bottom trawling would need to happen “immediately”.
“Bottom trawling is not compatible with the healthy oceans we want to leave to future generations.
“We will require the next government to begin the phase-out, working with industry, iwi and coastal communities to manage that transition fairly.”
For its climate plans, Opportunity wanted New Zealand to recommit to its Paris Agreement obligations and protect the Climate Change Commission's independence.
“New Zealand needs durable climate policy that survives changes of government, gives businesses certainty and helps us build a cleaner, more resilient and more prosperous economy.
“We will not support a government that walks away from our international obligations or undermines the independent Climate Change Commission.”
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