The questions have to be asked: What if Labour had not been in power just prior to March 2020? What shape would our country be in today?
New Zealand has the lowest Covid death rate in the OECD, the lowest use of ICU beds, the shortest hospital admission times. The economy did not tank as predicted - in fact, it seems to be fine overall. Billions have been spent on subsidies to help employers get through lockdowns and keep employees.
Sadly, lives have been changed by the pandemic. Careers and jobs have been lost, especially among the lower-paid workers and women. People nearing the end of their working lives have been let go, seeking help from MSD for the first time in their lives or having to use hard-earned savings until they either get another job or reach 65.
Being older is not an attractive option in the labour market. Many New Zealanders have actually entered retirement years before they had personally and financially planned to. Overseas trips of a lifetime and other dreams may now not be a reality for many active, healthy older folk.
The country has been through the wringer in the last 21 months, with perhaps more to come. It has been so hard for many; employers, small business owners, the lower-paid and the older workforce.
We need to recognise the wonderful people who have actually kept our community going, the lower-paid usually. The truck drivers, supermarket staff, courier drivers, the farming community, the workers at the MIQ centres, the tracers and the vaccinators are but a few who we all owe a debt of gratitude to. Many have put up with stressed and badly behaved people way above what is expected for people in their job roles while trying to help us. This is now continuing, of course, with the introduction of mandates. Hospitality, reception and shop staff should not be expected to face the wrath of those who will not or cannot be vaccinated.
If, for any reason, you choose not to be vaccinated, as is your right, I am sure you will not make issues with these people. They are just people trying to make a living for themselves or their families.
We all need to take that deep breath, both the vaccinated and unvaccinated. This time will pass and we must remember that we all have freedom of choice, a dearly-fought for freedom. We will still need to continue to live with each other down the track. We are not each other's enemies, just fellow Kiwis with different points of view.
As time goes by, vaccines and medications will improve. Some of the concerns people have now may be allayed. This brilliant scientific work will possibly open up further treatment options for other diseases we struggle with nowadays. Remember that the universal use of penicillin followed World War Two, about the only good thing to come out of that war.
So take a deep breath, folks, and try to just keep smiling.
