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I get all the disappointment out there about the Budget. I also get the anger at the Greens. But I want to offer a different perspective. Your anger needs to be redirected - or perhaps split. And here is why...
NZF are a handbrake on the government. They are the coalition partner. Greens are there yes, but only as confidence and supply. So that means ANY idea from the Greens has to get through NZF.
So the only ideas that the Greens have that get traction are those of a very Blue/Green nature. That means jobs, and industry. That's why the only real Green thing in this budget was all the 'environmental jobs'.
You're kidding yourself if you think that the Greens can get anything vaguely smelling like social justice past the nose of Winston Peters. I mean come on, this is the man who said this week that Māori had to adapt or die. He's not exactly the most compassionate person.
BUT, that doesn't mean that the Greens should be let off the hook completely. They argued that having Marama outside of those cabinet roles meant she could be a voice, that the Greens could be critical of the government.
And, don't get me wrong, because I love Marama (I really really do), but her voice is often drowned out and we have not seen James support her (meaningfully) in this. So yeah, criticism there for sure.
But, instead of absolutely crucifying the Greens, which is what I see some people doing, pay attention to context. This is EXACTLY what NZF wants you to be doing. They want the Greens vote destroyed so they are the only coalition partner.
Don't play into that stupid tactic. Think about what is going on here. The Greens need your support. The Greens need your voice here. And they need us to be holding Labour to account about why they are so keen to please NZF.
Because ask yourself, do you really want Labour to have only once choice, NZF at the next election. Are you so keen to ignore context that you will sacrifice that chance to have a more socially just government? Think about it. And redirect your anger.
