Principles
Unity Party Principles
At the Unity Party, our principles are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our decisions, shape our policies, and ensure we remain focused on creating a fairer, stronger, and more sustainable New Zealand.
1. Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Valuing Māori Partnership
We recognize Māori as tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and treasure their unique cultural heritage as an integral part of our nation’s identity. We are committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), acknowledging its significance as a foundational document that establishes a partnership between Māori and the Crown.
We strive to actively engage with Māori communities, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in the development and implementation of policies. Integrating Māori perspectives enriches our policy-making process, leading to more inclusive and effective solutions that benefit all New Zealanders.
While we may not always align on every issue, we are dedicated to providing platforms for Māori to express their views and collaborate towards meaningful change. We uphold the principles of partnership, participation, and protection, as articulated in the Treaty, and are committed to fostering a society where Māori and non-Māori work together in mutual respect and shared purpose.
2. Opportunity for All
We believe every New Zealander should have access to opportunities that help them succeed—whether in education, employment, or business. Our policies are designed to remove barriers and support growth, innovation, and personal development.
3. Fairness and Accountability
A strong society is built on fairness, transparency, and responsibility. We champion policies that prioritize ethical leadership, ensure government accountability, and demand that businesses and institutions operate with integrity.
4. Community-Driven Solutions
The best ideas come from those directly affected by the issues. We believe in empowering local communities to play an active role in shaping solutions, rather than imposing top-down government decisions that ignore real-world needs.
5. Practical, Results-Driven Policies
We focus on what works, not just what sounds good. Our policies are based on evidence, innovation, and real-world problem-solving, ensuring that government actions lead to measurable improvements in people’s lives.
6. A Thriving Small Business Economy
Small businesses are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. We believe in reducing barriers to business growth, ensuring fair competition, and fostering an economic environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.
7. Proactive and Preventative Support Systems
Rather than waiting for problems to escalate, we advocate for early intervention strategies in areas like education, justice, and healthcare. Investing in preventative solutions reduces long-term costs and improves societal well-being.
8. Environmental and Economic Balance
We reject the idea that sustainability and economic growth are at odds. We support practical green initiatives that remove financial barriers to sustainability, making it easier for businesses and individuals to transition towards eco-friendly practices.
9. Strong but Fair Justice System
We believe in early intervention and rehabilitation, but we also stand firm on protecting the vulnerable. Our justice system should prevent crime where possible, rehabilitate where appropriate, and enforce strong consequences where necessary—particularly for crimes against children and society’s most vulnerable.
10. Respect for All New Zealanders
New Zealand is strongest when we work together. We reject divisive politics and instead seek to build unity through respect, understanding, and policies that benefit all citizens—without favoring one group over another.
11. Building for the Future
From housing and infrastructure to education and workforce development, we believe in long-term solutions that prepare New Zealand for the challenges ahead. We prioritize smart, sustainable growth that ensures future generations inherit a country that is thriving and resilient.
