New Zealand’s coalition government under Christopher Luxon has sunk to an alarming new low in public approval, registering a dismal 4.2 out of 10 in the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor survey. This steep decline from 4.7 just six months ago underscores the deep dissatisfaction with a government aggressively steering towards populist policies that mimic the disastrous blueprint of the Trump administration in the US—a path that should not be emulated.

Since taking office, Luxon’s administration has aligned closely with the so-called “War on Woke,” an agenda designed less to promote social progress and more to inflame division, suppress free speech, and erode commonsense governance. This regressive posture mirrors the harmful tactics once deployed in Washington DC—cutting vital public services, outsourcing government functions to wealthy tech elites like Elon Musk, and dismantling environmental protections—all while claiming to ‘put the people first.’

New Zealand’s political landscape has regrettably seen echoes of this toxic populism, with figures such as Winston Peters openly adopting these polarizing strategies. His alignment with controversial international actors reminiscent of Nigel Farage and his electorate’s reported links to influential business magnates entrenched in fossil fuels and other destructive industries reveal a worrying trend of power serving wealthy elites at the expense of ordinary citizens.

This strategy follows the “Three Ps” of populism—Populism, Polarisation, and Post-Truth—used by far-right leaders globally to deepen social divides and spread misinformation, leaving real issues unaddressed. The coalition government’s recent moves to replace robust environmental legislation with diluted laws prioritizing oil, mining, and property development expose their priorities. Luxon’s dismissive remarks about democratic obstacles only highlight a contempt for community voices and environmental stewardship.

These rollbacks directly echo Trump-era policies in the US, where environmental safeguards were ripped apart, and public consultation bypassed to benefit big business interests. The gutting of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and drastic cuts to science and innovation funding betray a government more interested in commercial gain than safeguarding the future.

Allowing such policies to fester unchecked threatens New Zealand’s natural heritage, public health, and long-term prosperity. The exclusion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles from new legislation further marginalizes indigenous voices, undermining the very foundations of inclusive governance.

In sharp contrast, advocates for a sustainable, economically rational, and socially responsible future—embodied by the emerging political force prioritizing national sovereignty, individual freedoms, and pragmatic environmental stewardship—are gaining ground. Their platform calls for true accountability, restoration of scientific integrity, and rolling back the overreach of big government and unelected elites masquerading as reformers.

New Zealanders deserve leadership that truly champions their interests—not a populist imitation of a failed US model that alienates voters and endangers vital institutions. As public confidence plummets, it is imperative to critically reassess this government’s direction before further damage is done.

Source: Noah Wire Services