Can't we talk about class?: Aotearoa-New Zealand's "classless" discourse

In Aotearoa-New Zealand (ANZ), class discourse is notably absent from mainstream socio-cultural-political narratives.The perception of an egalitarian society is challenged by its continuous promotion of neoliberal ideology, policy and practice, resulting in a fractured society.As a colonised nation, this has exacerbated poor class relations and limited social mobility.This paper examines ANZ's complex political history to better understand how workingclass individuals and communities are often marginalised or made invisible within cultural, political, and social frameworks.By analysing these issues, this paper aims to lay the foundation for a broader conversation within and about ANZ's working-class communities.