Auckland - party finance reform public forum

The CTU is hosting another public forum on reforming party finance laws, this time in Auckland. See the details below. Essentially the CTU is playing the part of advocate for reform, and the invited speakers at the forum are therefore like-minded. It's good that this type of public debate is being promoted. But I also think that the CTU et al need to be challenged in these forums about some of the reform ideas that they're being associated with. And the way that the debate is being formulated by the CTU as Us Vs Them is a false one based around a strange idea that political parties like Labour represent ordinary New Zealanders Vs National which represents the corporates.
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The Hollow Men: Our Democracy or Theirs?  Auckland Forum: May 1 2007
Is our democracy “rule by the people” or rule by the corporate funders?  How do we restore integrity and transparency to election campaign funding? What needs to change so ordinary New Zealanders feel they have an equal say in our political system? Speakers include Nicky Hager, journalist and author of 'The Hollow Men', Dr Raymond Miller, Head of Department, Political Studies, University of Auckland and Laila Harré, union leader and commentator.  There will plenty of time for questions and comment.
Tuesday May 1 2007, 7.30pm
University of Auckland, Lower Lecture Theatre, City Campus, Princes St
visit http://union.org.nz/event/hollowmenMay07