We are a democratic socialist party building a fairer Aotearoa New Zealand: a society where every person can live with dignity and reach their full potential.
Our story
We believe in secure, well-paid work. Free education and healthcare. Affordable housing and power. A sustainable environment. And a democracy where people, not corporations, come first.
We take no corporate donations. We answer to working people, not wealthy donors. Our policies are developed by our members, debated at conference, and grounded in the principle that a just society requires collective action.
The Alliance exists to organise and fight for these principles in our communities, in our workplaces, and in Parliament.
The Alliance Party has been part of Aotearoa New Zealand's political landscape for over three decades, standing for working people through coalition, crisis, and renewal.
With its origins in the left of the labour movement, the Alliance Party remains an unbroken link to the founding of the New Zealand Socialist Party in 1901, a legacy we claim with pride.
1991–1998
1991
The Alliance was founded in December 1991 as a coalition of four parties: the NewLabour Party, the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, Mana Motuhake and the Democrats. United in opposition to the neoliberal economic reforms of Rogernomics and Ruthenasia, they sought to offer a cohesive left alternative to Labour and National.
1992
The Liberal Party, formed by former National MPs Gilbert Myles and Hamish MacIntyre, joined the Alliance in June 1992.
Alliance election advertisement, 1993. Watch on YouTube
1993
In the 1993 general election, the last under first-past-the-post, the Alliance won 18.2% of the popular vote but only two seats, starkly demonstrating the injustice of the old electoral system. The result helped build public support for MMP.
1996
In New Zealand's first MMP election, the Alliance won 10.1% of the vote and 13 seats, becoming the third-largest force in Parliament. The new proportional system finally delivered representation matching public support.
1997
The Green Party left the Alliance in 1997 and went on to contest the 1999 election under its own name.
1998
Kevin Campbell stood for the Alliance in the Taranaki–King Country by-election on 2 May 1998, receiving 3,208 votes.
1999–2002
1999
The Alliance entered a coalition government with Labour, with Jim Anderton serving as Deputy Prime Minister. Key achievements included the establishment of Kiwibank, returning banking to public ownership, and the introduction of Paid Parental Leave, both lasting legacies that continue to benefit New Zealanders.
2002
A public split erupted over New Zealand's involvement in the Afghanistan war. The majority of Alliance members opposed the deployment, but leader Jim Anderton supported it and subsequently left the party with several MPs to form the Progressive Party. The Alliance contested the 2002 election but did not return to Parliament.
2005–2015
2015
After years of reduced activity, the Alliance was voluntarily deregistered as a political party. But the ideas, the networks, and the need for a genuine left alternative never went away.
2026
Members from across Aotearoa gathered at the Trade Union Centre in Christchurch to ratify the constitution, elect officers, and confirm the policy platform. The Alliance will stand candidates across the country for the 7 November 2026 general election.
5 August
The Electoral Commission registered the Alliance Party of Aotearoa New Zealand on 5 August 2026, enabling the party to contest the nationwide party vote. Electoral Commission register.
A party of the left with policies based on socialist principles of democracy, equality and social ownership.Alliance Party Constitution, Section 2
The ten constitutional principles that guide everything we do, from policy development to how we organise.
Explore our policiesSecure well-paid work, free education and healthcare, affordable housing and power, a sustainable environment, and democratic participation.
Water, electricity, telecommunications, railways, shipping, ports, and airports in public hands.
Meaningful work without exploitation, secure wages, union rights, and recognition of unpaid work.
Universal entitlement to income and resources for full participation in society.
Highly progressive taxation to eliminate poverty and discrimination. Shift the tax burden away from wages and onto wealth.
Upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, redress of violation of Te Tiriti, with respect for and protection of Te Reo Māori and Māoritanga as the first culture and language of this country.
A society free from racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, sectarianism, and discrimination against people with disabilities.
Halt destruction, actively restore and protect the natural environment.
Social justice, diplomacy, opposition to wars of aggression, and Pacific solidarity.
Global capitalism is not permanent or invincible. Fight for a socialist alternative.
Elected by members at the 2026 National Conference in Christchurch.
The Alliance
