New Zealand Election ’08

When you go into the polling booth on November 8, there is one name that deserves your tick. Lawrence may not be written on the ballot paper, but if you write it in with pencil your vote will count. A vote for Lawrence is a vote celebrating “the cultural diversity of our nation, the inseparable relationship between land and sea, the taonga that is our intellectual and cultural capital and respect for the natural forces which have shaped these beautiful but brutal isles.” Without any policies to speak of, their campaign is built metaphorically around what’s good for this country. For years politicians have promised everything and delivered nothing, with no pre-election promises the Lawrence party has a sound ambition with no pre-conceived intentions.

From a working class background, growing up on the harsh North Canterbury plans, party leader Lawrence Arabia has gone from shifting hay bales in his youth to become a successful politician who has traveled the world over. But most importantly he is a Kiwi; whether sitting in a London bar with a bunch of ex-pats or gracefully stroking a boundary on the village green, Lawrence always wears his All-Black jersey and his floppy hat with pride. As an avid cricket supporter he always travels with a six-pack of DB Draught in his cricket bag. Yes, just like your average middle-class working dad, Lawrence is a kiwi bloke.

In direct protest at Winston Peters being allowed to roam the streets of Tauranga un-cuffed and smiling with smarmy delight, the party’s intended launch on September 19 was delayed. Adverse weather conditions also played a part, blowing the campaign blimp of course and forcing an emergency landing in Epsom, the home of ACT Party leader Rodney Hyde. After this disastrous start to the political campaign, the Lawrence Party faithful got together to discuss a risk free way of getting the campaign back on track. With growing numbers of middle-aged and elderly people turning onto the internet, the decision was made very easily. On September 24, taking advantage of the New Zealand governments deal with YouTube, the Lawrence Party launched their 2008 political campaign with an online video. Directed by Stephen Ballantyne, the video moves New Zealand politics into a new era. Through the medium of song and handsome imagery, the Lawrence Party present a powerful case to the New Zealand people. “The party is over. But the campaign has just begun.”

Posted by Nick Fulton under New Zealand
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