Opportunity to create a Future Generations Commissioner to end “short-term political thinking”

Opportunity says it would create an independent Future Generations Commissioner if elected; a new figure who would assess government policy for its long-term benefits and risks.

The proposed commissioner would also co-ordinate the party’s other policy to hold citizens’ assemblies which would debate “long-term national goals for the society, economy and environment we want to pass on to future generations” while in partnership with Māori and consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi.

Opportunity’s policy document, released this morning, said the commissioner would be appointed on the House’s recommendation and hold the role for five years. It would be “protected from political interference”, with ministers and parties unable to direct its findings. Funding would be scrutinised by Parliament rather than ministers.

“Ministers, public service departments, specified Crown entities and councils will be required to act in ways that meet present needs while safeguarding future generations’ ability to meet theirs,” Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong said.

“In addition to assessing these entities against the national long-term goals the Commissioner will monitor their adherence to their own specific longer-term plans and commitments, including the likes of Opportunity’s proposed 10-year plans for education and health, our 2050 goal for energy abundance and a 30 year infrastructure planning process.”

Enacted through a Future Generations Act, the policy would mean “major government policy, Budget, and investment proposals” would be required to disclose long-term costs and benefits for future generations.

“Politicians are very good at telling us what something will cost today. They’re not nearly as good at telling us what it will cost our children if we fail to act,” Wong said.

“We need to make the long-term consequences of decisions impossible to ignore, whether that’s the cost of neglected infrastructure, an overstretched health system or failing to protect our environment.”

Wong said the commissioner would not “replace” elected MPs but would “help ensure the interests of future generations are considered in their decisions”.

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.