FAQ

Why "The Pirate Party"?
It's often been suggested that using a name like "The Pirate Party" will drive away potential supporters and voters. We disagree. No matter what name we chose it would come to be associated with currently copyright-infringing file-sharing activity because legalising such activity is one of our core policies, so we might as well choose a name which is already associated with that.

There's also a successful pirate party movement in 40 countries, including a number of registered pirate parties. The Pirate Party in Sweden has 2 Members in the European Parliament, the Pirate Party of Germany has 19 MPs in two State Parliaments. Other Pirate Parties also have assorted seats in local government. We're happy to be associated with all of that too.

In the 50's and 60's there was a pirate radio movement which had in some ways similar goals. Outdated regulations over radio broadcasting limited the use of transmitter technology of the time, much the same way that outdated copyright laws limit how user want to use computers and p2p technology today. Pirate radio wanted to broadcast commercially and commercial broadcasting was illegal so they 'broke the law'. Now-days those people (eg Radio Hauraki) are proud of their pirate history and the part they played in getting those laws changed.

Are you a single-issue party?
We have a platform of promotion of civil liberties in the areas of information and technology, including liberalising copyright and patent laws, and protecting privacy and freedom of speech, especially in relation to the Internet. We aren't a single issue party as such, but we are focused on a narrow range of issues. We are concerned that governments are promoting the interests of a small but influential minority in regards to these issues, and we seek to change this. We don't, at this time, intend to develop policy or have official views on issues outside these areas. Our aims don't fit exclusively at either end of the political spectrum, and our members have a variety of personal views on other issues.

Can I vote for the Pirate Party in the next General Election?
Currently the Pirate Party of New Zealand is not a registered political party. We can not yet contend the party vote, although we can stand candidates in electorates. In 2011 the Pirate Party ran candidates in Hamilton East and Wellington Central. We are aiming to become a registered party and contest the party vote in 2014. We hope that this will give us the means to exert real political pressure to effect change in copyright and patent legislation, and expand public understanding of the surrounding issues within New Zealand. In order to become a registered party, we must first acquire 500 financial members.

How Can I Help?
If you wish to help you can join the party or Young Pirates, contribute to the forums or join a mailing list, give the Pirate Party a donation (payment info), follow us on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, or simply make our issues a talking point.

If you are willing to volunteer your time for the cause, please get in touch with [mailto:enquiries@pirateparty.org.nz enquiries@pirateparty.org.nz]