this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2023
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Right wing politics in New Zealand? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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Hello everyone,

so I'm not actually from New Zealand, but from Europe and I'm currently very worried about the rising popularity of facism and alt-right politics in my country and europe in general. I'm very scared of experiencing physical violence and I'm now very seriously considering moving to another country before the facist parties are elected into power. One of the countries I'm considering is New Zealand, because there wouldn't be that big of a language barrier and also because I haven't heard of a lot of problems with facism in New Zealand. So I wanted to ask you if my judgement is correct and what the political situation regarding the alt-right is like in New Zealand.

Thank you for reading. I really appreciate your help :)

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

My belief is that the issues with our public services (you note health) come down from NZ under-taxing, so not having the public funds to invest in those services. Don't believe the hype you see from N/Act or the NZ Horror etc. Our top income tax rates are low internationally, and unlike many other similar countries we do not have any wealth/capital gains taxation.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's actually a massive issue that I saw in NZ. My in-laws and their friends profiting massively off rental properties with no capital gains, meanwhile blaming foreigners for the fact their children can't afford rent or housing. That being said, putting all geographic issues aside, Healthcare in NZ is significantly better served than in Canada (at least as far as family doctors go), but when we last visited this year, it seems to be a growing issue. Overall, I found NZ much more of a user-pay society than Canada. The fees aren't always high (like US healthcare, my god!) but there is no "free lunch" anywhere in NZ. Going to a community festival? Pay $10 for 15 mins to put your kids in the bouncy castle. That sort of thing is everywhere. I love NZ, and it is a beautiful place with wonderful people. However, there are two things I would say.

  1. It is a great place to visit. (Notice how the phrase stops there)
  2. Ive heard kiwis described as "clannish and distant" and I think that is an accurate depiction. Friendly when meeting, but high on impossible to make friends with.
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Yeah i've definitely heard that we're friendly without making friends. I wonder how much of it comes down to not feeling like there's much spare time - particularly for those people with kids.