Cap (New Zealand Pacific Party)

This cap represents the Pacific Party, a political party set up by former Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Taito Phillip Field in 2008.  The Party aimed to represent the interest of all New Zealanders through strong Pacific values based on Christianity and the family unit.  The results of the 2008 election concluded in Field losing his Mangere electorate seat with the party vote only gaining 8640 votes from New Zealanders.  The party was officially deregistered in 2010.

Significance

This cap is important as it highlights a Pacific focussed party in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Although relatively unknown, it does tell us a complex connection.  With the introduction of the list MP system allowing for more politicians to be a part of parliament, Pacific politicians have been able to participate more in party politics.  As of 2014, there have been more than 12 members in New Zealand’s parliament who are of Pacific descent.  Strong family values, Christian morals and a priority of interest in social justice have been common themes in the aspirations and goals of Pacific politicians.

References

Whimp.G.,(2012) Representing the people: Pacific Politicians in New Zealand in Mallon, S. Mahina-Tuai, Kolokesa and Salesa, Damon (eds) (2012) Tangata o le Moana: New Zealand and the people of the Pacific. Te Papa Press, Wellington. Pages 265-284