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Libertarianz is a political party in New Zealand (hence the suffix -nz) dedicated to libertarianism, which claims to be the only party in New Zealand devoted to maximising personal freedom and reducing the size of government – "to getting government out of your face, out of your pocket, and out of your life. Permanently." Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism is a major influence on the party. Its slogan, "More Freedom, Less Government", is indicative of the party's basic policy platform.

Leader Bernard Darnton in television advertising during the 2005 general election.

Libertarianz is considerably more radical than ACT New Zealand (the other political party in New Zealand that is sometimes called libertarian). Libertarianz does not consider ACT to be a libertarian party. Libertarianz describes ACT's policies as "crony capitalism writ large", saying that ACT supports "collusion between the state and big business" rather than the complete separation of the two.

Libertarianz was founded in late 1995 by Ian Fraser, who served as the party's first leader. Later, Lindsay Perigo, a well-known New Zealand broadcaster for Radio New Zealand and TVNZ, assumed the leadership. After Perigo stepped down, the party was led by Peter Cresswell and then by Russell Watkins. The current leader is Bernard Darnton, and the Party president is Craig Milmine.

The party's first campaign was the 1996 election, the first to be held under the new MMP electoral system. Libertarianz gained 671 votes, 0.03% of the total. This put the party in 19th place. In the 1999 elections, the party performed somewhat better, gaining 5,949 votes (0.29%). This put the party in 11th place, and in fourth place among the parties which did not gain seats in parliament. In the 2002 elections, however, Libertarianz did not contest the party vote - due to an oversight, the party's bank cheque was not transmitted to the electoral authorities by the appointed time. As such, the party was only able to contest the election through individual electorate candidates. The party's five candidates gained 672 votes amongst them.

In the 2005 elections, the Libertarianz received 946 votes in total out of 2,286,190, or approximately 0.04%.

Libertarianz members protesting at the New Zealand Parliament, Wellington, on Budget Day, May 19, 2005.

Libertarianz members putting up billboards for Bernard Darnton in Wellington Central during the 2005 general election.

• Official website
• New Zealand's New Zealots by R.W. Bradford ACT versus Libertarianz
• Blog by former Libertarianz leader Peter Cresswell
• 'Libertarianism, Kiwi-Style' by Tim Sturm
• 'In the Revolution's Twilight' An account by Lindsay Perigo refuting the supposed 'libertarian revolution' claimed for New Zealand.
• DarntonVsClark.org

 

Political parties in New Zealand
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