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Socialist Aotearoa | |
|---|---|
| Co-founder | Joe Carolan |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Ideology | Revolutionary socialism Socialism Marxism Tino rangatiratanga Trotskyism |
| Political position | Far-left |
| International affiliation | International Socialist Tendency |
| Slogan | "All Power to the People" |
| MPs in theHouse of Representatives | 0 / 120 |
| Website | |
| socialistaotearoa | |
Socialist Aotearoa (also known asSA andSocialist – People Before Profit) is arevolutionary socialist organisation based inNew Zealand. SA formed as a split fromSocialist Worker in 2008.[1] They are based inAuckland and are part of theInternational Socialist Tendency.[2] Joe Carolan, aUnite Union employee[3] and formerMana party candidate,[4] is a co-founder[5] and the current Campaigns Officer.
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 theTrans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).[9]
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 thePacific and (when New Zealand had troops there) from Afghanistan. Furthermore, the party holds strong pro-immigration, pro-refugee andanti-racism stances. Their third principle states that they 'oppose all oppressions based on race, gender, sexuality and religion'.[10]
In 2016, Joe Carolan announced his intention to stand in the2017 Mount Albert by-election.[11][12] Carolan gave his party asSocialist – 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]
