“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried…”

– Winston Churchill, 1947

“But what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

– Micah 6:8

It is easy to be cynical about democracy in general and elections in particular. Whatever we may think about how our own nation is being governed, international events and the rise of disinformation can feed a negative view of democracy and its institutions.

However, participation in our democratic processes, especially an election, is something everyone should take seriously. Our system of government may not be perfect, but we are privileged to have an open democracy, where every registered adult gets to vote freely, deciding for ourselves who we want to vote for.

This privilege is not available in every nation or to every person in the world, so it is a taonga to be treasured.

Informed by the communities we serve

The Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit of The Salvation Army supports the privilege of democracy through providing information about the pressing issues we see in the communities we serve.

Drawing on frontline experience, research and evidence, Pressing Issues 2026 highlights key social issues affecting some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most vulnerable whānau and communities. We ask questions that political parties and voters should consider this election.

Christian faith does not tell us which political party to vote for.

Our Biblical stories show us a God who is concerned about every person, and especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of care and support: the widow, the orphan and the stranger of our time and place.