Wikipedia

Socialist Aotearoa


Socialist Aotearoa (also known as SA and Socialist – People Before Profit) is a revolutionary socialist organisation based in New Zealand. SA formed as a split from Socialist Worker in 2008.[1] They are based in Auckland and are part of the International Socialist Tendency.[2] Joe Carolan, a Unite Union employee[3] and former Mana party candidate,[4] is a co-founder[5] and the current Campaigns Officer.

Socialist Aotearoa
Co-founderJoe Carolan
Founded2008
IdeologyRevolutionary socialism
Socialism
Marxism
Tino rangatiratanga
Trotskyism
Political positionFar-left
International affiliationInternational Socialist Tendency
Slogan"All Power to the People"
MPs in the House of Representatives
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Website
https://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/

SA has been involved since its inception in organising and participating in campaigns against privatisation, corporate globalisation, racism and war.[6] These campaigns have ranged from Aotearoa Not For Sale[7] to Love Aotearoa Hate Racism,[8] to the movement against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).[9]

Principles and policies

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Socialist Aotearoa ratified the statement of its principles titled 'Five Fingers for a Fist' at their foundation hui on 10 May 2008. It is currently published on their website. The document is an allusion to their five key principles: 1. One Solution, Revolution, 2. Workers of the World, Unite, 3. Equality For All, 4. United Fronts, and 5. For a Rank and File Network Within the Trade Union Movement.[10]

Their first principle emphasizes that 'Socialist Aotearoa is a revolutionary, socialist, anti capitalist group', claiming to fight for systemic change. Socialist Aotearoa advocate for a 'working class movement', explained in detail in their fifth principle.[10]

The party also claims to be an international group that strongly opposes "imperialist" wars and occupations, as detailed in their second principle. They have demanded withdrawal of New Zealand troops from the Pacific and (when New Zealand had troops there) from Afghanistan. Furthermore, the party holds strong pro-immigration, pro-refugee and anti-racism stances. Their third principle states that they 'oppose all oppressions based on race, gender, sexuality and religion'.[10]

Mt. Albert by-election

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In 2016, Joe Carolan announced his intention to stand in the 2017 Mount Albert by-election.[11][12] Carolan gave his party as Socialist – People Before Profit on the ballot paper. Carolan received 189 votes, or 1.4%,[13] in the context of low voter turnout, as the incumbent National Party did not stand in the election.[14]

SA's platform in the by-election included:[15]

  • Making the minimum wage a living wage of $20
  • Rent controls, the building of 100,000 state houses, and a tax on empty homes
  • Making transport and education free
  • A "liveable" universal basic income
  • Abolishing the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • A "Robin Hood Tax" of 1% on all financial transactions
  • Rejecting the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA)
  • Stopping the deportation of the eleven Indian students who had been victims of a fraudulent tertiary education provider.[16] SA members had been helping lead the campaign to keep these students in the country.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Open Letter to Socialist Aotearoa (May 2008)". Workers Party New Zealand. 1 May 2008. Archived from the original on 24 July 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
  2. ^ "Groups Affiliated to the IST". internationalsocialists.org. International Socialist Tendency. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  3. ^ Owen, Catrin (13 February 2017). "Mt Albert by-election candidates have housing on their mind". Stuff. Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  4. ^ "Mana names Auckland candidates". Stuff. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  5. ^ Carolan, Joe (9 August 2017). "The Mettle of Metiria". Socialist Aotearoa. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  6. ^ "Who We Are". Socialist Aotearoa. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  7. ^ Admin (7 May 2012). "Thousands say: "John Key, you've got mail, Aotearoa is not for sale"". FightBack. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  8. ^ "Love Aotearoa forms to counter Canadian race ranters". waateanews.com. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  9. ^ "After the Blockade- a Marxist analysis of the TPPA and a movement against Capitalism (at18mins in)". After the Blockade- a Marxist analysis of the TPPA and a movement against Capitalism (at18mins in). 10 February 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  10. ^ a b c "Founding Principles". Socialist Aotearoa. 10 May 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  11. ^ "Aotearoa/New Zealand: A new working-class, pro-Maori political voice". Socialist Aotearoa. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  12. ^ "Is it time for some Community Communism in Aotearoa?". Unite.org.nz. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  13. ^ "Mt Albert by-election official results". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  14. ^ "Mt Albert by-election: Low turnout blights massive win for Jacinda Ardern". Newshub. 26 February 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  15. ^ "Our Demands". Socialist Aotearoa. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  16. ^ "Indian students facing deportation from NZ claim sanctuary in Auckland church". Stuff. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
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