It was formed in 1990[1][8] through a split in the Socialist Unity Party, led by G. H. (Bill) Andersen.

[3][9] The last known leader of the party was Brendan Tuohy.

[1][2] The party published a monthly newspaper called Red Flag.

[10][11] Its former members continue to operate the Workers' Institute of Scientific Socialist Education (WISSE).

The party is best known through the influence of its late founder Bill Andersen, a well-known trade unionist who served as president of the Auckland Trades Council, national secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, and president of the National Distribution Union.