The Far-Right Playbook

by Tina Ngata, Byron Clark, Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown

The Far-Right Playbook is a collection of essays outlining key tactics the Far-Right are using in Aotearoa New Zealand to incite fear and division. Chapters include: A History of the Far Right in Aotearoa by Tina Ngata Scapegoat Politics and the Role of Social Media by Byron Clark Attacking Te Tiriti o Waitangi 101 by Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown Misinformation: The Many Ways to Mislead by Matt Macdonald Democracy at its Core: How Voter Suppression, Participation and Power Play Out by India Logan-Riley The Weakening of Civil Society by Valerie Morse Planting Allies into Positions of Power, Byron Clark Neoliberalism? Let’s talk Corporate Capture, Profit and Privatisation by Neil Vallelly and Simon Barber “Would You Like Urgency With That?” Drive-thru Politics, Governing Through Overload and Flooding the Zone by Māni Dunlop

82 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2026

Reviews

[Lara Green]

This is an excellent primer for many of the issues. Worth reading by anyone with a passing interest in politics. Holds up well academically too.

[Kay Jones]

4.5 stars rounded up. A range of essays covering tactics used by various groups in Aotearoa New Zealand to influence political views. Tactics range from misinformation, lies, racist attacks and more subtle language games. Kots of it scary stuff, especially when you look at political events around the world. Some essays are clear and informative. A few are somewhat too academic for my tastes. Overall a short book well worth reading, especially in the lead up to New Zealand's election on 7 November 2026.