TOP's commitment for 2020

That’s a step in the right direction. Gareth has some good ideas, but I think sometimes he’s too inflexible, and certainly not the best front person for the party. I’d personally be OK talking with Gareth even if he managed to insult me, as I’d ignore him and look at his policy. The trouble is you can’t do that to the general voting public, and there also needs to be the recognition that there needs to be compromise.
I would love to have gone out and talked more about the merits of TOP policy, but some of the social media antics by Gareth and his media guy Sean Plunkett left me feeling embarrassed even if I saw plenty of merit in the policy.
I’ve met other people like Gareth before, who are basically good people at heart, but manage to be incredibly good at offending people. In politics you have to win hearts and minds, not just have the best ideas. For an evidence based party, ignoring behavioural evidence seemed a bit foolish, but hopefully now there’s an effort to correct that.
Gareth is an economist, so most of the ‘evidence’ seemed to have an emphasis on economics, but I think you’ve got to get physical sciences, life sciences, economics, sociology, anthropology all working together as the foundation for ‘evidence’.
Personally, I’d give more weight to physical sciences, as you’re dealing with tangible stuff that the universe is actually made of, whereas economics is based to some extent on intangible ideas that assume a certain kind of human society. Work out the physical models you want to apply, and then develop economic models that support them.
TOP actually did pretty well with its cannabis policy, recognising that the stuff is harmful, but also recognising that people do use it, and the current system isn’t working. There was something in that policy for everyone; those concerned about drug harm, those who use cannabis, and those concerned about funding government programmes.
Unfortunately, there didn’t seem the same ability to compromise over the tax policy, and I think that is what sunk TOP. It was pretty much of a case of ‘like it or lump it’, and if you have any reservations you’re stupid, greedy, or some other unflattering adjective.
Given that was promoted as the flagship policy over and above everything else, it was too polarising.
It should have been presented as “Here is TOP’s ideal way of implementing the policy, but if you can’t buy into it like this, here are some other ways it can be implemented that might not be as effective, but will still be better than the status quo.”

Thanks for the honesty and trying Gareth. It will be great to keep putting forward thoughtful policy if only we can figure out a way to get people wanting to listen to anything other than who offers the best bribe.

Congratulations Gareth. Please keep actively involved, as YOU are the heart and intelligence of TOP. I look forward to seeing who is going to step up and take the figure head role. Please keep us all involved. I think NZ’ers need to wake up to your ideas and work towards a better, fairer society for our children. I want to live in a NZ where everyone has enough. Some will always have a lot more, but the majority should be able to live comfortably. 👍🏻

TOP has been drifting since the election. We desperately need a charismatic frontperson. Gareth has done a good job but he is clearly not interested in entering Parliament and I am pleased he has indicated his intention to step down. His real contribution will be shaping policy and co-ordinating the engine room activities. The leader is an all important role. This is the age of presidential style elections and it is essential we find a suitable person possessing charm,ability and leadership qualities. Are there plans to hold an AGM?

I am a member and am happy to help. You do need a candidate for the Coromandel, someone charismatic and respected ideally. I am not it BTW, but maybe you could create a FB group to help members and others interested to co-ordinate activities under “Your” guidance?