The voting power of the overseas electorate
Summary
This episode explores the growing influence of New Zealand's overseas electorate, which has surged to nearly 120,000 registered voters. Host Anna Fifield discusses the political stakes with demographics expert Paul Spoonley and interviews three Kiwis abroad who are actively campaigning for voter turnout. The conversation highlights the challenges expats face in staying engaged and debates whether New Zealand should adopt a diaspora minister or overseas electorates to better represent its international citizens.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: PayPal Checkout and Pay Later
Introduction: The Kiwi diaspora and voting rights
Rising overseas voter registration numbers
Paul Spoonley: Stakes of the overseas vote
Chris McArdle: Nostalgia and US polarization
Election dynamics and the Tamaki electorate
Key issues: Cost of living and youth employment
Maintaining connection and navigating dual elections
Political outreach and the tight voting deadline
Tracey Lee: The case for overseas representation
Barriers to voting: Practicality and emotional disconnect
Diaspora identity and the 'brain trust' argument
Debate: Diaspora minister vs. overseas electorates
Michelle Clark: Grassroots outreach in Australia
Māori and Pacific perspectives on current policies
The need for a Māori electorate in Australia
Paul Spoonley: The Irish diaspora model
Comparing global diaspora strategies and representation
Shifting mindset: From brain drain to asset
Outlook: Will the next government engage the diaspora?
Credits and closing sponsors
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