United Future - Policy

Policy

United Future adopted the following mission statement in early 2007:

"United Future is a modern centre party, focused on New Zealand's best interests. We promote strong families and vibrant communities. We seek a fair, and open society, free from poverty, ignorance and prejudice, and based on innovation, self-reliance, justice and integrity in business and personal dealings. We promote a sustainable environment, and a competitive economy which encourages growth, prosperity, ownership and opportunity through market policies where possible, and government where necessary. We want all New Zealanders, whatever their background, race or creed, to have the chance to enjoy everything that is good in our country."

In 2007 the party had a number of policy successes, including:

• Bringing about the first cut in the business tax rate in 20 years;
• Making all personal and corporate donations to charity tax deductible;
• Extending summer daylight saving hours by three weeks;
• Introducing legislation to increase the minimum driving age to 16 years;
• Leading the campaign for a code of conduct for MPs;
• Playing a leading role in getting the government to back down on planned new rules for financing elections, and proposed restrictions on birth, death and marriage data for historical and genealogical research purposes;
• Establishing a special government task force to look at using deer, chamois and tahr as a recreational hunting resource.