Back on Track?: The New Zealand General Election of 2023

by Stephen Levine

The latest in the acclaimed series of election books from Victoria University of Wellington, Back on Track? is an engaging account of how we ended up with the government we have today. What a year! In 2023, Jacinda Ardern resigned after five years as Prime Minister, leaving Chris Hipkins in charge of Labour' s waning fortunes and ultimate defeat. The Greens and Te Pati Maori ended up back on the opposition benches despite gaining more votes than ever before. ACT held its support, but couldn' t find enough votes to keep New Zealand First from muscling its way back into government, as Winston Peters again went from has-been to kingmaker to Minister of Foreign Affairs. And Christopher Luxon, having repeatedly warned of a ' coalition of chaos' if people voted for Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Maori, found himself leading a chaotic coalition of his own when the election resulted in a National– ACT– New Zealand First government that promised to get New Zealand ' back on track' .

675 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2024

About the author

Stephen Levine was an American poet, author, and spiritual teacher best known for his groundbreaking work on death, dying, and grief. A central figure in the conscious dying movement, he helped bring Theravāda Buddhist teachings to Western audiences, alongside contemporaries like Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. His work, however, was uniquely shaped by devotional practices drawn from Bhakti Yoga and his spiritual connection to Neem Karoli Baba, blending Buddhist insight with heart-centered mysticism.
With his wife Ondrea, Stephen spent over three decades offering workshops, counseling, and writings that supported the terminally ill, trauma survivors, and caregivers. Their book Who Dies? remains a foundational text in end-of-life care. Levine’s teachings also explored “everyday grief”—the quiet accumulation of life’s disappointments—and emphasized the healing power of mindfulness and compassion.
A former heroin addict who transformed his life through spiritual practice, Stephen lived his final years in quiet seclusion in New Mexico. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of deep insight and loving presence that continues to influence seekers, caregivers, and teachers around the world.