The Opportunity Party is a strange beast.
It chose its leader after seeking expressions of interest through a Seek advertisement.
It professes to be left-wing, but is dependent on large donations from wealthy individuals, at least one of which has links to cryptocurrency. And under its constitution donors have the ability to be appointed to its board.
It professes to want to do politics differently, and has laid out bottom lines, five bottom lines. Christopher Larkson has ruled out dealing with them, but it is noticeable that in the past couple of weeks National has softened its position on some matters, particularly on fishing in the Hauraki Gulf.
Recent events makes me wonder if the Opportunity Party is overtly flaunting with National, and if National is returning the attention.
Opportunity has five bottom lines. Its websites list their bottom lines in these terms:
1. Bring prices down
We finally have cross-party consensus for action on the supermarket duopoly. We’ll turn that talk into action, with a bottom line to empower the Commerce Commission to investigate, intervene and force structural separation of anti-competitive businesses across our entire economy. This bottom-line is a clear signal to big business that anti-competitive behaviour won’t be tolerated anymore – driving fairer prices and immediate relief for New Zealanders.2. Clean up politics
New Zealanders are losing trust in politics. Without that trust, we cannot achieve the lasting change Kiwis expect. To ensure the integrity of our democracy, this bottom line requires a mandatory register and code of conduct for lobbyists, and a cap on donations per donor, from registered voters only.3. Fix the health system
Health is too important to be a political football. Our doctors and nurses deserve better than endless restructures – they deserve a bottom line that establishes a 10-year, cross-party plan for health. Within that plan, we’ll call for the funding increases our healthcare workers need, and more investment in primary and preventative care to stop people from getting sick in the first place.4. Revive ocean health
Our ocean is struggling. Tarakihi is on the brink of extinction and kina barrens are blanketing the Hauraki Gulf. To revive our fish stocks and marine habitats, this bottom line calls for an immediate end to bottom trawling in our most damaged inshore areas (like the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana), before phasing out the practice in stages. Core to this bottom line is working with fishers, quota owners and communities to build a sustainable blue economy to hand to the next generation.5. Restore climate credibility
New Zealand now ranks 44th out of 67 countries for climate action. The next generation needs us to stop kicking the climate can and get on with building the resilient and prosperous New Zealand they deserve to inherit. This bottom line calls for New Zealand to recommit to our Paris Agreement obligations and protect the role of the Climate Change Commission.
The Party claims that these are lines it will not cross. But confusingly its language suggests that the party that shows the most commitment to its bottom lines will get its support. These are not bottom lines. They are an opening negotiating point.
Christopher Luxon has repeatedly ruled out working with Opportunity after the election.
But you get the impression that he’s getting ready to do the flip-flop of all flip-flops if it holds the balance of power then holds the balance of power. Its leader has reached out, and like a battered, jilted lover, has asked for Luxon to pick up the phone. There is a strong sense of desperation in it doing so.
And you have to wonder how a group of untested careerists would handle the rough and tumble of Parliament. They would be eaten alive.
There are obvious links with National. Deputy Leader Daniel Eb is a professed former National member and voter. Reading through the rest of the candidate bios you get the strong impression that this is a middle class grouping of people for who class politics is an anathema. There are some with clearly strong environmental views. Which makes you wonder why they would even consider siding up to National.
Opportunity is playing a dangerous role. In 2011 and 2014 the Greens final result sagged behind after polling really well. Then leader Russell Norman’s public late suggestions that the party could work with National clearly had an effect.
I have said this before but if you want to change the Government do not risk voting for Opportunity. Otherwise you may wake up and realise that Christopher Luxon is still our Prime Minister.