Clive Bibby: No progress without equality for all and a new political realignment

2023 can deliver much needed change in the way we interact with our fellow New Zealanders  but to do so, it needs to be based on:

a) learning from the mistakes, particularly of the immediate past and

b) a genuine desire for unity focused on equality of opportunity for all.

Given the deep divisions that have been needlessly imposed on our shell shocked society, it will not be easy for most of us to believe that we must all do our bit to overcome this sense of distrust that pervades the nation.

What have we become? 

It is not hard to understand the (sometimes violent) reaction to the deliberate introduction of false narratives that support the undemocratic changes to the laws of this country and why those most negatively affected would feel the need to defy authority in their response - what else are they expected to do?

The methods used by government to bypass the community voice can only be described as “incitement to anger” Now there is a term used to criticise the actions of a former US President that has been in vogue here as well although it’s use in relation to Government action in this country is somewhat more justified. 

Here it makes a mockery of the “consultation” process - one of the cornerstones of our modern society and the one that allows governments to claim a mandate to act on behalf of its constituents - a process that is first to go with the establishment of a dictatorship. 

If you think I am being over-dramatic - look at the evidence!

Here are a list of the main glaring examples:

1) the unmandated introduction of Three Waters legislation after promising to consult

2) the withdrawal of legislation that allowed for communities to decide whether to introduce Maori Wards after promising to leave that option in place

3) the refusal to accept representations from rural communities that provided alternative methods for achieving zero net carbon emissions targets by 2050 - a formula that would have avoided the planting of exotic trees on huge chunks of our most valuable agriculture land. 

4) the introduction of a false narrative by way of a revised history curriculum that is not a true and accurate record of our joint heritage. Of course changes to the traditional teaching were long overdue but this bunch of distortions and omissions will only create greater division amongst those who insist on a document that tells the truth about our nation’s humble beginnings. These are but a few of the blatant attempts to restructure our society in a way that benefits only a privileged number of minority groups. In another time and in another place, it would be called apartheid. 

What makes it worse is that here in Godzone, the underlying emphasis is to establish one racial group with rights not conceded to the majority.

Those racial overtones are the incendiary sparks that have resulted in civil war in other countries. Make no mistake - it could happen here! 

What we need to do as a priority: 

We must rid ourselves of anything that might endanger our future as a multi culture with a record of peaceful coexistence second to none. 

It will take all of us to accept that this simple task is the most important undertaking in the year ahead. 

Having said all that, I am convinced that we have the capacity to realise that, while we have come close to self destruction, a future full of promise is achievable.

In the words of our soon to be former Prime Minister, “ Let’s do it!”

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.