Some points regarding Labour supporters voting Green:

1. Voting strategically for another party instead of the one you have an attachment with isn't easy. It goes beyond one's gut reaction, requires critical thinking & focuses on the wider picture. It's smart politics.

#nzpol

2. They're strengthening Labour's short-term prospects. The result will be more progressive policies, which aligns with Labour's values & beliefs. Next term Labour will be vulnerable to attacks from all sides for under-delivering if the Greens aren't there to push them left.

3. They're strengthening Labour's long-term prospects. MMP is all about coalitions. Labour needs coalition parties. If the Greens don't make 5% it will be difficult for them to return in 2023. If the Greens disappear there will be long-term ramifications for Labour.

4. They're hitting National & Judith Collins where it hurts. National are attacking the Greens for a reason. The aim is to take them out so it's easier to win in 2023. Also, National know if the Greens aren't there they can shift the centre of politics to the right.

5. It's not a wasted vote even if Greens don't make 5%. Labour have won this election. National & ACT aren't catching Labour. A few more votes or a few less votes for Labour doesn't matter. In fact, it makes more sense to say a vote for Labour in this context is a wasted vote.

6. The Greens will protect Labour from critiques. ACT do that for National. The last National govt deflected critiques of Charter Schools by saying 'we have MMP & this is ACT's idea'. Labour are not the best at defending themselves & the Greens will be their shield.

7. Despite the best efforts of the unhinged right, the Greens are no longer considered extremists by middle NZ. That myth is dead. The Greens today are fairly moderate & mainstream. Many of their policies have widespread support & they'll help legitimise a Labour-led govt.

8. Conclusion: Labour supporters who vote Green are doing Labour a massive favour in the short & long term.
National would love to see the Greens gone - it leaves Labour extremely vulnerable.
Therefore, vote Green if you want to keep National out of power for as long as possible.