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The New Zealand National Front is a small far-right organization in New Zealand. In 2004, it began the process of registering as an official political party, (see political parties in New Zealand for more information). As yet, it is unclear whether it will gain registration.
History
The New Zealand National Front was founded by Brian Thompson of Ashburton in 1968, although its operation was erratic. In 1989, an organization called the Conservative Front, led by Anton Foljambe, took over the name. Foljambe resigned as leader in 1997, establishing a new organization called the National Democrats. Later, Kyle Chapman became leader and Foljambe returned. Since then, the NF has achieved considerably greater public recognition.
The National Front has described itself as "the front line of European colonists" in New Zealand, and considers itself to be "patriotic and nationalistic". The party's policy platform is primarily based around militarist and anti-immigrant themes, and often incorporates elements of survivalism.
The current leader of the New Zealand National Front is Kyle Chapman who has a record of violence, including the arson of a marae. Chapman, however, says that allegations against him are greatly exaggerated, and that he renounces the use of violence.
Policies
Significant policies of the National Front include:
- Preservation of NZ-European heritage.
- Tightening of immigration laws.
- Rejection of immigrants or refugees who are not ethnically and culturally European.
- Distancing New Zealand from the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
- Abolition of the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Reintroduction of capital punishment, and harsher penalties for offenders.
- Reintroduction of conscription.
- Relaxation of gun control, thereby allowing "men to defend their families".
- Elimination of Political Correctness
- Creation of a National Bank
- Withdrawal from international trade
- Return to farm-based economy
- Opposition to abortion, but support for state-supported child care
- Re-constitution of the "White Commonwealth of Nations".
Support
The National Front has received a substantial amount of public support over 2004, following a protest against Asian influence and immigration in Christchurch city, and other public meeting & pickets nationwide. Public support for the National Front's nationalist ideals mostly originates from the white working class community, as well as several conservative and religious groups. At a planned "Anti-ZOG" event in the nation's capital on August 14, 2004 the Front was able to get ten picketers to protest a "so-called anti-racism" meeting.
Currently, the party claims to have over 500 members, some of whom plan to run in regional elections. In 2004, National Front Director Kyle Chapman unsuccessfully contested the mayoralty of Christchurch, placing fifth with 1.9 percent of the public vote.
Criticism & opposition
The National Front is accused by some of being a fascist or neo-Nazi group, and has previously had problems with police. In mid 2004, a number of attacks on immigrants and attacks on Jewish property and grave stones were blamed on skinheads allegedly associated with the Front. One arrest was made, but charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence. The Front has denied all claims of involvement relating to the attacks on Jewish gravestones & property, and offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest(s).
On October 23, 2004 the National Front led a protest in Wellington in support of retaining the current New Zealand Flag, which was attended by an estimated 45 persons. . The march was opposed by the Anti-Nationalist group, MultiCultural Aotearoa, who led an 800-person anti-racism march near Parliament Buildings in Wellington. A "radical, anarchist, punk-rocker type group" numbering about 200 persons attacked the National Front and one National Front member was hurt. According to the "New Zealand Herald", the following day Kyle Chapman complained of "insufficient police protection" against the anti-racist protestors . Kyle Chapman also mentioned the lack of arrests, claiming the police ignored the violence created by the radical left-wing aggressors, some of whom carried weapons.
In the weeks following the conflict, a hacker by the name of Komodo, claiming affiliation with the Anarchist group: The Black Masks, hacked into and defaced the National Front's website.