Bold Politics with Zack Polanski Why We Should Want Our Politicians To Be Flawed | Chlöe Swarbrick | Zack Polanski
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Oct 14, 2025 In this conversation with Chlöe Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and a passionate advocate for social justice, the discussion dives deep into the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. Chlöe challenges the idea that perfection is essential for the left and emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership. She shares insights on drug law reform, the importance of trust in politics, and how to effectively address wealth inequality through community engagement. A fascinating exploration of contemporary political dynamics and grassroots activism!
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Early Entry, Lasting Values
- Chlöe Swarbrick describes entering Parliament at 23 and keeping her values intact while learning to work within the system.
- She argues lived local work and consistent values build political credibility over time.
Drug Policy Must Be Evidence-Led
- Swarbrick explains drug law reform revealed harm from punitive policies and the misalignment with evidence.
- She links compassionate, evidence-led policy to reduced harm and better public health outcomes.
Bypassing The Biscuit Tin
- She narrates using New Zealand's literal biscuit tin ballot to try to get her sanctions bill onto the floor of Parliament.
- She built cross-party support and framed needing only a few government MPs to act to trigger debate.
