So - what is the Kiwi dream?
If you know please enlighten me. From a young age it has frustrated me that there isn't really a Kiwi dream.
Consuming American Culture through music, television and movies you quickly find what the American Dream is, a house in the suburbs, white
picket fence, nice car. But what is there for Kiwi kids to relate to?
Upon moving to Auckland almost four years ago I found out that some thought it's the house, boat, bach and the beamer. Had never heard of that prior!
This is often repeated to me when I query my peers.
Others say having a small business, taking a few months off each year to spend at the beach but there just isn't a consistent kiwi vision.
Imagine if we all got together to help formulate the kiwi vision. Then once we all knew it we can measure against it.
Is the new prime minister helping us achieve our vision? Is social policy creating the New Zealand we want? Is the brain drain such a bad thing for our vision?
I know as a nation we aren't the most forthcoming putting ourselves out there types (and that's good I don't want to take away from that) but what about giving us a sense of identity, something for kids to aspire to, something each and everyone can identify with.
This is who we are. Kiwis.
It would provide a sense of direction and aspiration for all Kiwis. The times of the number-8 wire are gone; we need to rise above and beyond and a collective vision will help us.
Maybe it isn't Kiwis we should be asking, people all over the world aspire to be Kiwis. Heck we have two of the top destinations worldwide and the fourth (equal) best city to live in (Auckland), tourists might have the best answer.
Ask a tourist next time you meet one, what do they think the Kiwi dream is?
So I just want to leave this with you; what do you think is Kiwi dream? Why not respond in the comments and let's get a discussion going.
- Ben Young
PHOTO: BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
