New Zealand National Front
The New Zealand National Front is a small far-right organization in New Zealand. In 2004, it began the process of registering as an official political party (see the article on political parties in New Zealand for more information on what this entails). As yet, it is unclear whether it will successfully gain registration.
The National Front was founded by Brian Thompson of Ashburton in 1968, although its operation was erratic. In 1989, an organisation called the Conservative Front, led by Anton Foljambe, took over the name. Foljambe resigned as leader in 1997, establishing a new organisation called the National Democrats. Later, Kyle Chapman became leader of the Front, and Foljambe returned. Since then, the Front has achieved considerably greater public recognition.
The National Front describes itself as "the front line of European colonists" in New Zealand, which some observers find ironic considering the European colonists were immigrants and the organisation is anti-immigration. It considers itself to be "patriotic and nationalistic". The party's policy platform is primarily based around militarist and anti-immigrant themes, and often incorporates elements of survivalism.
The current leader of the New Zealand National Front is Kyle Chapman. Chapman has a record of violence, including the arson of a marae. Chapman, however, says that allegations against him are greatly exaggerated, and that he renounces the use of violence.
Significant policies of the National Front include:
- Reintroducing conscription.
- Reintroducing capital punishment.
- Rejecting immigrants or refugees who are not ethnically and culturally European.
- Encouraging migrants already in New Zealand to leave.
- Distancing New Zealand from the United States, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization.
- Relaxing gun control, thereby allowing "men to defend their families".
The National Front is accused by some of being a fascist or neo-Nazi group, and has previously had problems with the police. In mid 2004, a number of attacks on immigrants and attacks on Jewish property and grave stones have been blamed on skinheads allegedly associated with the Front. The Front has denied these claims, and offers a $10,000 reward for infomation leading to an arrest(s).
External links
- Official website (http://www.nationalfront.org.nz/)
- Official Principles of Policy (http://www.nationalfront.org.nz/policy.php)
Categories: New Zealand political parties | Neo-Nazi political parties