NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones has defended strategic voting, taken aim at National’s opposition to the campaign and reaffirmed his party’s willingness to support those who had their freedoms taken away during the Covid response.
Speaking to RCR, Jones said National should stop attacking its coalition partners and focus on selling policies to voters.
“The National brand is not resonating, but its individual electorate members are regarded as good parish leaders. If the gospel’s not resonating, then come to your friends – NZ First and ACT,” he said.
Jones dismissed claims that a Government formed through split voting would lack legitimacy, calling the argument “rubbish” because the priority was ensuring the centre-right had a parliamentary majority.
The interview also turned to Covid-era vaccine concerns. Jones said former Health Minister Ayesha Verrall should “hang her head in shame” over the delivery of vaccines to vulnerable parts of the population against scientific advice.
When asked about reports of vaccine injuries among older people, Jones said: “I know a great deal about that, both in my own household and my own family”.
Meanwhile, National leader Christopher Luxon continued to oppose strategic voting, saying supporters should give their party vote to National if they want a National-led government. He said split-voting campaigns risked confusing voters.
However, former National leader Don Brash hit back, accusing Luxon of misleading the public. Brash argued that giving National more party votes won’t necessarily deliver more seats for the centre-right, and that strategic voting could strengthen the “right bloc’s” overall numbers.
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Luxon should review the MMP system, it confuses voters.
A party vote for National, will be wasted, National’s electorate win overhang will mean a party vote for National wont win the nats a single additional seat. Instead that wasted vote will strengthen support for Labour and Green.