The current situation is no
different. The reality is, New Zealand has a combative and party dogma
centred construct of governing. Under this model how is it possible to harness the best
of what we have and have a fully unified, inclusive and powerful strategy
ahead!
We have a choice. We can accept
this as is and carry on regardless. To be fair, New Zealand can be proud of
much of what has been achieved in recent times, including getting through in
pretty good shape after the challenges of the Christchurch earthquakes,
recessions and of course the global financial crisis (GFC). However, everyone
would agree, the gap between those ‘who have’ and those ‘who have not’ is far
too wide. Our education, health and social sectors are underfunded and operate
in an uncoordinated fashion. That’s probably too harsh but a cross disciplinary
approach would be more powerful.
A fundamental question needs to
be asked. If you were responsible for a large number of people’s welfare and
their asset base, would you set up a system of governance as we have currently?
I personally wouldn’t. I may be naive,
in fact I know I am but the idea of a meritocracy of sorts has much merit in my
mind. Democracy has to be at the heart of this.
I believe most New Zealanders
have a very similar vision for our country. I also believe most would ascribe
to very similar principles and values. For example, most New Zealanders believe
in democracy, racial and gender equity, environmental sustainability, freedom
of speech and so on.
If a shared vision was
democratically settled on and then the agreed principles and values we wish to
live by are agreed, we would then have the basis to create a shared strategic
plan and related goals to implement. These goals would be far ranging
having targets across the spectrum of what we hold dear as New Zealand
citizens. Of course these goals would need to be revisited regularly to ensure
they still have the powerful relevancy and currency required.
Having a shared and ‘owned’
approach like this would take out the enormous amount of time we waste on petty
and quite often personal political debates which cause division and take the
energy away from what is important.
This would also take away the
need for political parties and allow passionate people to put their hand up for
election to New Zealand’s 1st XV who would take up the responsibility for
leadership. I use the term 1st XV with ‘tongue in cheek’ as it is a parlance
many would recognise. Essentially the best people for the job similar to a
Board of Trustees. Right now, my vote would be for Jacinda to be captain and
coach. I see many others across the parties who have so much to offer NZ but
are caught up in party politics and ‘treading water’.
I like you want the best for NZ
as much as a role model for the rest of the world as our planet is in a
perilous state.
Before you dismiss this idea as
nonsense, debate it with your family and friends as I know we can do better.
Let’s get our best people on the park as together everyone achieves more.
