Socialist Aotearoa


Socialist Aotearoa is a revolutionary socialist organisation based in Aotearoa/New Zealand. SA formed as a split from Socialist Worker in 2008. They are based in Auckland and are part of the International Socialist Tendency. Joe Carolan, a Unite Union employee and former Mana party candidate, is a co-founder and the current Campaigns Officer, while Anu Kaloti of the Migrant Workers Association is the General Secretary.
SA has been involved since its inception in organising and participating in campaigns against privatisation, corporate globalisation, racism and war. These campaigns have ranged from Aotearoa Not For Sale to Love Aotearoa Hate Racism, to the movement against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

Principles and policies

Socialist Aotearoa ratified the a statement of its principles 'Five Fingers for a Fist' at their foundation hui on May 10, 2008. It is currently published on their website. The document is an allusion to their five key principles: 1. One Solution, Revolution, 2. Workers of the World, Unite, 3. Equality For All, 4. United Fronts, and 5. For a Rank and File Network Within the Trade Union Movement.
Their first principle emphasizes that 'Socialist Aotearoa is a revolutionary, socialist, anti capitalist group', claiming to fight for systemic change. Socialist Aotearoa advocate for a 'working class movement', explained in detail in their fifth principle.
The party also claims to be an international group that strongly opposes 'imperialist' wars and occupations, as detailed in their second principle. They demand withdrawal of New Zealand troops from Afghanistan and the Pacific. Furthermore, the party hold strong pro-immigration, pro-refugee and anti-racism stances. Their third principle states that they 'oppose all oppressions based on race, gender, sexuality and religion'.

Mt. Albert by-election

In 2016, Joe Carolan announced his intention to stand in the 2017 Mount Albert by-election. Socialist Aotearoa chose to call itself 'Socialist – People Before Profit' on the ballot paper. They received 189 votes, or 1.4%, in the context of low voter turnout, as the incumbent National Party did not stand in the election.
SA's platform in the by-election included: