Why I'm a Centrist - A Case for the Center in New Zealand
Why I'm a Centrist - A Case for the Center in New Zealand
The Center is misunderstood (At Least in New Zealand). Its not boring or confused, its bold and very much needed to solve most of our pressing issues.
Talking politics these days is not only hard but dangerous. One wrong move, and boom—your career or social life is in pieces. Last week, we talked about how that pressure is pushing people into echo chambers. Now, let’s look at a solution that rarely gets the credit it deserves: radical centrism.
So, how do we create space for safer, more productive political discussions? Enter radical centrism. Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter, “Centrist? Isn’t that just someone who can’t make up their mind?”—hear me out! Centrism isn’t about sitting on the fence. It’s about finding balance and tolerance and pushing for meaningful, deliberate change.
When I say tolerance, I mean tolerance for opposing views—not the “we’re inclusive as long as you agree” kind. I’ve seen this play out on the left: openness is preached, but when your views don’t match, that tolerance evaporates. We need space for diverse ideas, wildly conflicting ones, without the fear of being cancelled.
Centrism isn’t about sitting in the middle just to avoid conflict—it’s about knowing when to act. It’s strategic, not passive. When healthcare is struggling, the government is key to ensuring equitable access. But for innovation, especially in areas like tech solutions for climate change or faster, more efficient housing development, the market can often move quicker and smarter than bureaucracy. Centrism asks the crucial question: who’s best equipped to solve this problem? It’s about getting things done, not indecision.
What’s your experience with tolerance in political discussions? Let me know in the comments.
Why Centrism is Bold, Not Fence-Sitting (But Hey, I Can’t Cover Everything)
Let me be clear: centrism isn’t playing it safe. It’s about knowing when to act decisively—whether that means pushing government intervention or leveraging market forces. It’s bold because it requires making hard choices and cutting through ideological noise. But I get it, I’m not going to cover everything here. Centrist policies tackle many issues, and if you’re thinking, “What about [insert your pet issue]?”—I hear you! Maybe next time. Consider this article a starting point, not a final word.
Centrism and the Left’s Tolerance Problem
Centrism offers a practical way to address the left's tolerance issue by focusing on dialogue and compromise. Rather than shutting down conversations, centrists are committed to engaging with opposing viewpoints—understanding, dissecting, and finding common ground. Centrism builds bridges, not walls or groups, by not adhering to ideological extremes. It’s about seeking solutions through compromise and collaboration over simply “winning” votes or the dinner table argument. In practical terms, this means that while the left may dismiss specific perspectives as intolerable, centrism pushes for the inclusion of multiple and competing voices, no matter how uncomfortable. Here is where the hypocrisy of the Left is deafening. Centrism offers real solutions to this by being the best-placed political party to do cross-party protection without losing political capital, acknowledging that is what we have to do to solve hard things.
What’s your experience with tolerance in political discussions? Let me know in the comments.
Background and Personal Story
I didn’t wake up one day and say, “Oh, I guess I’ll be a centrist because the extremes are too scary.” Nope! Like most of us, I’ve always leaned this way; my upbringing and personal context shape my political views.
Growing up in a single-mother household in 1980s Mexico, I watched the debate over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) unfold during our Sunday family lunches. Half my family argued in favour of it and the other against it. My mother, a passionate Mexican diplomat, lived and breathed politics. This taught me to see both sides of an argument and, crucially, to find a middle ground that works.
In my not-so-humble opinion, most people actually hold centrist views—they just don’t realize it yet, especially here in New Zealand, where centrism hasn’t quite found its political legs.
What is Centrism?
To understand centrism, let's simplify the political spectrum:
Left: The government should solve more problems.
Right: The government should solve fewer problems.
Center: The government should solve targeted, essential problems—it's not about size, it's about quality and focus.
Unfortunately, people tend to oversimplify it:
Left = good
Right = bad
Center = confused
This is a huge misconception. Centrism isn’t about sitting on the fence. It’s about advocating for thoughtful, targeted government action—tailored to the unique historical, economic, and national context. What centrism looks like in 1980s Mexico, 2023 New Zealand, or 2017 USA will differ.
What Centrism Really Stands For
Being a centrist isn’t about being confused or indecisive—it’s about strategy. Centrism recognizes that government and markets have their strengths, but neither is a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is knowing who does what best. For example, the government excels at creating safety nets—healthcare, infrastructure, education—where equity matters most. But for innovation, adaptability, and efficiency, the market often leads.
Centrism is also about context. Unlike rigid ideologies, centrists don’t blindly follow a doctrine. Instead, centrism adapts to the specific needs of a country or era. In some contexts, more government intervention is needed; in others, we let the market take the lead. This flexibility allows centrism to remain practical, solving problems based on what works, not just what’s popular or ideological.
Take social capitalism, for example—using the market as a force for social good. This isn’t about letting corporations run wild. It’s about empowering responsible businesses to tackle big challenges in ways the government often can’t match—whether it’s through innovative health solutions or sustainable development. Just look at Wellington’s small and medium businesses like Five + Dime, Creative HQ, and Akama, or tech leaders like Xero and Sharesies. These companies are driving real, impactful change, solving issues faster and more effectively than bureaucracy ever could.
Before we dive deeper, I want to give a special shout-out to The Workshop—an amazing Wellington-based organization working to improve lives by changing how we talk about complex issues. I’ve used many of their tools and resources to ensure I’m framing these topics in ways that aid solutions, not focus solely on the problems. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you absolutely should!
I met The Workshop’s founders, Jess and Marianne, years ago when I was venturing into the first TEDxWomen event in New Zealand. They’ve taught me so much, and I’ll always be grateful for their support as I found my footing in this new country as a Mexican migrant woman. Ok, back to the centre.
Here’s my case for centering centrism.
The Five Key Areas the Government Should Focus On
Here’s where I believe a centrist government should focus its efforts:
Disabled Communities
Supporting disabled communities isn’t just important—it’s fundamental. This group is among the most vulnerable, spanning gender, ethnicity, age, and class. Globally, 15% of the population has a disability, and this figure is expected to double by 2050. In New Zealand, 1 in 4 people live with a disability, and they’re more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education. The market alone can’t solve these problems. A centrist government must prioritize practical, sustainable solutions—focused on accessibility infrastructure, raising awareness and providing services for these communities. The current national-led government approach has let us down here; it lacks the urgency, understanding, and capability this community deserves.
Senior Citizens
New Zealand’s aging population is growing rapidly. This issue hits home for me as someone likely to age alone without children or family nearby. The challenge is finding a balance between care and fiscal responsibility. A centrist government must ensure seniors receive efficient, sustainable support systems. This is not an area where the market can step in, and while I reluctantly find common ground with NZ First here, the issue is urgent. We need real investment in senior care—now. This is not just for our seniors today but also for my generation, which will be the largest senior generation ever!
Sick People and Healthcare
Healthcare is non-negotiable. A centrist government would guarantee accessible, high-quality care for everyone, focusing on making sure we not only have enough nurses but are paying them an amazing salary and conditions so they can do their job as best they can, invest in modern and enough ambulances all around the country, having and training enough specialists. Hence, they are available in urban and rural areas, and no one should be left behind. The government needs to step up—not just in funding but in streamlining the system. An area this National government is getting all wrong!
What are your thoughts on healthcare funding in New Zealand? Let me know below!
Infrastructure
Wellington’s cycle lanes are a great initiative, but if they’re built at the expense of vital rural infrastructure or fit-for-purpose water systems, we have a problem. Infrastructure—roads, public transport, or utilities—is the backbone of a functioning, safe, thriving society. We need long-term investments in sustainable infrastructure, including rural areas and critical inter-island transport, like the ferry system (Cough cough!). Prioritizing urban cycle lanes is great. I'm a cyclist; I use and love them, but it can’t come at the cost of rural safety and development. A balanced approach is critical.
It’s not about cars or bikes—we need both. But if you build cities only for cars, you’ll get more cars. The infrastructure debate shouldn’t be binary; it’s about integration and balance.
Law, Order, and Protecting Borders
Crime and justice reform require a balanced approach. The justice system should reduce reoffending, support victims, and rehabilitate offenders. Alternatives to prison for minor crimes make sense—community-based sentences are a good option. But make no mistake, harsher punishments for serious offences are absolutely necessary.
I left Mexico in 2009 because organized crime turned my country into a public safety nightmare. We cannot let that happen here. Yes, gangs in New Zealand stem from systemic discrimination, but we can’t tolerate unchecked violence or anti-social, hostile group dynamics. The government must be firm in addressing organized crime while simultaneously fixing the underlying causes—poverty, addiction, and discrimination. Closing a town for a gang funeral?1 Absolutely not. Addressing systemic injustice? Absolutely, yes.
The Centrist Approach to Taxation
To understand centrism, we must grasp how tax works—how much we have and how far it can go. Yes, I want all the good things for everyone (that’s my left-leaning side), but let’s be honest—it’s not an endless pit of money. My right-leaning side says we must manage resources strategically, wisely, ethically and transparently. Taxes fund what the government prioritizes; it can’t fund everything!
Centrism strikes this balance: taxes are limited, so let’s focus on what matters most—public safety, public health and building infrastructure that helps vulnerable communities thrive. This isn’t just about addressing today’s problems—it’s about future-proofing our society as it ages, diversifies, and grows.
The Fairness Trap
Here’s where we need to talk about fairness. People love that word—it sounds great, right? But fairness can be a double-edged sword. It’s tempting to think that everyone paying the same flat tax rate feels fair. But let’s be honest: that’s a superficial idea of fairness. A flat tax ignores the real complexities of inequality. It doesn’t account for not everyone starting from the same place in life.
Instead, we need to consider taxes a tool for the public good. Taxes should direct resources toward things the government is best placed to solve, like healthcare, infrastructure, and safety, with a targeted focus on the most vulnerable. Treating everyone equally regarding tax rates isn’t truly fair if it doesn’t address the inequities within our systems and institutions. True fairness focuses on equity, not just equality.
These sections were drafted using insights from The Workshop’s tools on”
Finding the Middle Ground: Why Centrism Works
Centrism has proven its worth in places like France with Macron’s balanced policies and the growing centrist movements like the Forward Party in the U.S. The success of centrism comes from its adaptability—tailoring solutions to fit each country's unique challenges, something we desperately need in New Zealand.
Let’s stop expecting that governments can and will solve everything. Significant issues like housing, climate change, and equity often require collaboration with private industries and NGOs. A centrist perspective embraces this, recognizing that less is more. Governments should focus on doing fewer things—but doing them well. The heart of centrism lies in practicality, focus, and balance.
At its core, centrism is about balance—finding compromise and pragmatic solutions that work for the long-term good of society. The middle ground isn’t just a safe space; it’s where we can find stability, peace, and progress. I’m not asking you to pick sides—to consider the conversation. Maybe, just maybe, the middle ground is where we can all move forward together.
See ya next Tuesday, byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
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This sounds great.The problem is the centrist politicians who win are like Tony Blair and Bill Clinton they're still better,but they're neoliberals.They think the market is the best when it's the one causing the problems.I agree with you the market is great at some things like tech/innovation, but really bad at others like healthcare.TOP says they're centrists and their policies are good especially around doing a land value tax on houses, and not doing a wealth tax because we're too small.They know that housing is expensive because there's no tax on it and it's a way to invest.
Have you heard that vaccination views follow the political divide between left and right, and maybe all the NZers who disagreed with the Covid vaccine mandates teamed up to vote out the authoritarian Labour govt. I have noticed that people who would label me right wing are likely to be provaxers, and are more likely to be gullible and willing to believe any narrative from the State. They are also left-wingers who expect more state intervention, equals Socialism. What have you noticed ?