New Zealand Liberal Party (2008)
Encyclopedia
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
which promotes social liberalism
Social liberalism
Social liberalism is the belief that liberalism should include social justice. It differs from classical liberalism in that it believes the legitimate role of the state includes addressing economic and social issues such as unemployment, health care, and education while simultaneously expanding...
. It was founded on 10 March 2008
The party is an attempt to revive the old New Zealand Liberal Party
New Zealand Liberal Party
The New Zealand Liberal Party is generally regarded as having been the first real political party in New Zealand. It governed from 1891 until 1912. Out of office, the Liberals gradually found themselves pressed between the conservative Reform Party and the growing Labour Party...
. It aims to be a broad progressive party which appeals to middle New Zealand. Initial policies include a written constitution, improved public healthcare, and universal pre-school education.
The party is currently led by Jonathan Lee, a former public servant and policy advisor to Bill Birch
Bill Birch
Sir William Francis Birch, GNZM , usually known as Bill Birch, is a former New Zealand politician. He served as Minister of Finance for several years in the fourth National government.-Early life:...
. It applied to register a party logo with the Electoral Commission on 13 March 2008. This application was accepted on 2 April 2008 On 24 April 2008 the party applied for broadcasting funding; according to their initial submission the party has incorporated and is seeking candidates and a patron to publicly endorse the party.
The party was not registered for the 2008 General Election, and did not stand any candidates. As of May 2010, its website is defunct.