PhD CandidateThesis topic: The Opposition in New Zealand's Political System
Qualifications: Masters of International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours in Politics)
Supervisors: Professor Janine Hayward, Dr Chris Rudd
Email michael.swanson@otago.ac.nz
This research seeks to understand the role of the opposition in New Zealand's political system, and the role formal opposition plays in our democracy. This research will consider the place of opposition in a liberal pluralist democracy, reflect on the historical origins of opposition in Westminster, understand the role opposition plays in countries with a similar electoral heritage and those with similar electoral systems, and consider the place of opposition in New Zealand's political apparatus and how it might evolve in the future.