As a supporter, I would certainly hope so but one gets the feeling that the job turning the ship of state around is becoming too much for even the most capable ministers - such was the task given the state of the nation’s books at the change of government.
However let’s not get too despondent about the outcome of the next election while there are still two more years of a National led coalition in charge.
My guess is that the Labour Party will need more than a couple of years before they are capable of presenting as an alternative government.
Meanwhile, here in the provinces, particularly those that are only just recovering from the disastrous floods 23 months ago, export prices for most commodities (apart from dairy products) are still only marginally keeping pace with where they need to be.
As a consequence, most industries that traditionally support rural economies are “running on empty” for a good part of the calendar year. We here on our little block have not had the surplus income from farming we normally expect for going on two years - surviving on our superannuation payments while struggling to find money for rehabilitating the farm after the floods. It hasn’t been easy. But that is farming. However, our situation is something that the rest of New Zealand needs to know when they complain about their own well being, expecting the Government to find money for wage increases - presumably to keep pace with inflation or increases in funding for health, education and welfare from coffers that are already empty and have been so for the last 5 Years.
The massive overspend during Covid (no matter how justified) has put us behind the eight ball for years to come and it will take more that a bit of belt tightening and creative economic management for things to change for the better.
This is not fear mongering - just an observation from the coalface where the powerhouse of our economy chugs along hoping the seasons ahead will be better than the last couple.
Because, if the farmers are not making ends meet, everybody suffers.
And with the added problems associated with climate change affecting all income streams, governments are faced with difficult choices - all of which will mean most sections of society will have to survive on reduced rations.
Some would say, we are on a war footing and it will take every adult member of this country to find a way where they can contribute to an economic restructuring that must happen if we are to survive in a manner to which we have become accustomed.
I am fortunate to live in a region that has recently committed to making the changes necessary mainly because we can no longer carry on doing the same things we have been doing for over a century, expecting a different result. That is the definition of madness.
Ironically, climate change has been the main driving force behind the restructuring that is already in the design stages.
But the decisions that will determine wether these plans proceed are still some time off and when we are in a position to make it happen, finding the millions to pay for it will only be the start of the headaches we will endure during the construction stages.
So, let’s look on the bright side - at least we have a plan, albeit one that will stand or fall on the lowest common denominator - public input!
I for one am prepared to commit my last remaining years to making it happen before l go completely “gaga”.
Why don’t you join me!
In a world aflame, comparatively speaking, New Zealand is a pretty good place to make the changes necessary but that will only happen if everybody recognises just how lucky we are.
3 comments:
As a superannuitant I agree wholeheartedly with you Clive. However we have, and continue to breed, a young generation with a sense of entitlement. We have lost the number 8 wire mentality, and had personal responsibility replaced by a socialist regime, creating a huge cross section of the community who have few scruples and mercilessly milk the system.
Clive
In your back yard we now have the Gisborne Council opposing David Seymour's Bill.
Is GDC "acting in our/your best interest" or is this vote chasing by councillors serving a zone with high percentage of Maori voters?
Anon 8.41
It’s anybody’s guess as to what they are seeking to do but the smart money is - like a host of other Councils operating without authority while they can - this is a last gasp effort to establish illegitimate wards that will be rejected when the public finally gets to have their say.
It will be interesting to see if the majority support maintenance of this undemocratically imposed divisive measure the opportunity to hold a referendum on this debatable issue is available.
For what it is worth, my guess is that the public will reject these gerrymandered arrogant attempts to divide and rule.
However, history tells us anything is possible so don’t be surprised if regions like Tairawhiti with high Maori populations decide to keep them.
Mind you, l don’t expect many others to follow suit.
It is not something that fosters harmonious racial relationships and we are better off without them
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