Populism, New Zealand Political Parties and Voters: Does the Coat Fit?

• In Event: Populist Exceptionalism in a Populist Political Culture? The Case of New Zealand

Abstract

We compare data from a content analysis of party programmatic statements with voter attitudes as estimated by the New Zealand election Study (NZES). We expect to find congruence between populist attitudes and party appeals, but also separation between populist (majoritarian) values, nativism, and authoritarianism. The lack of success of New Zealand First can be explained by the willingness of the mainstream parties to adjust their policies to public opinion when necessary.

Authors

• Janine Hayward, University of Otago

• Jack Vowles, Victoria University of Wellington