Wide impacts of China policy shift

Mayor and Mayoress Meng and Ying Foon.

Opinion

With much excitement now, people in China can have two children. This new policy announcement is a step in the right direction.

Having more people comes with responsibilities for the state to ensure there is more capacity in all state services, such as schools, hospitals, enough water, sewage treatment, congestion and environmental matters. This is a big move for Chinese policy makers.

The traditional philosophy of China was always built around the family. It was the centre of everything Chinese. Having children to help with the function of family work was important; children looking after their parents as they grew older; supporting families financially.

This was what my parents did when they came to Gisborne — they often sent money back to their parents to help them. This is traditional for us to do wherever we are living.

I think that even if China abolished its new family planning limit of a two-child policy you would find that in today’s world two is about the right average — similar to most Western, developed countries. Gone are the days of having a dozen children.

For the first time in 30 years, Chinese children will legally be able to have a brother or sister. They will be able to play together and confide in each other, support each other.

For us in New Zealand, the new policy will mean an increase in demand for our infant milk formulas and, as the kids start teething, more solids like our apples will be needed. They will buy more kiwifruit and other fresh fruits from our region. Chinese just love New Zealand produce because it is healthy and safe.

As they start eating more protein, another mouth in the family will mean more beef, lamb, pork and chicken is needed. An extra crayfish at New Year’s time.

They will seek more manuka honey to maintain the child’s health, especially during times of catching colds.

As the children go to high school, they may partake in a luxury piece of fillet or a lamb rack. They will also be looking at their overseas schooling opportunities, hopefully in New Zealand.

They will definitely go on holiday, therefore a boost to our tourism sector. The apartment will need to be larger as now there is four in the family, so our wood and building materials will be in demand.

Some people say the policy change is too late. I say better late than never.

In China men currently can retire at 60, while women who work in factories can retire as early as 50. Female public-sector workers can retire at 55.

Some Chinese people at the legal retirement age are saying their talent is not utilised and they would love to continue in the workforce. Well, if they increase the cap to New Zealand’s retirement age of 65, imagine the extra productivity.

In summary, a policy change is good for New Zealand as a safe food exporting country. It is good for Gisborne/East Coast as we are great safe food growers. It will increase our job opportunities.

And it is good to see Chinese people allowed to have a real family unit.