Main ‘must do’ for 2023 a new Government

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

Like most Kiwis, I have just returned from an enjoyable family holiday over the Christmas break.

With much of the world suffering either because of wars, inflation, the spread of new Covid variants or forced global political realignments, New Zealanders can be grateful that we are better placed than many other countries to tackle what will be a difficult year ahead.

However, given our Government's many failings, we will have to make a number of key adjustments ourselves.

First on the “must do” list is to ensure a change of government.

The reasons for this are numerous and are recognised by a growing majority of the voting public. Some actions of this Government threaten the very underpinnings of our democracy, meaning the election next year is our chance to take back what is left of it.

As one approaching my twilight years, I have never witnessed such a public reaction to what has clearly been the worst and most ideologically driven administration this country has ever seen.

What makes it worse is that the government members (those who have not already abandoned the sinking ship) and ragtag remnants of its supporters are in denial that a more balanced approach to the problems we face is not only required but achievable.

All that is needed is for a new administration to listen, consult the people and then enact policies and laws that involve and benefit the majority, rather than a select privileged few.

Hopefully any incoming government will have learned the lessons arising from the betrayal of recent years.

If they don't, they can expect to be rejected in similar fashion to the current mob.

Second would be the re-establishment of trust in authority at all levels, with an expectation that those who are paid to serve are mindful of their responsibilities to the people who pay their wages.

If this can be achieved, the choice of which society most of us wish to live in will once again be in the hands of the common man and woman.

Bring it on.

Clive Bibby