Merepeka: Safer than most but not immune

Disaffected youth can be easily influenced by extremist ideals.

Perhaps living at the bottom of the world has its advantages.

Of course we're a long way from anywhere. You just can't get into a boat and with good luck and a fair tide rock up somewhere on our expansive shore line.

New Zealand is a desirable place to come and make home but you have to spend some time and thought into how you're going to get here. We think, warts and all, it's a great place to live. To bring up children, well that's now debatable.

Paradise, well I wouldn't go that far. It has been a better country. But compared to the number of troubled countries, where killings are a daily occurrence, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

In other countries of the world, those that have opened their borders to millions seeking asylum, refuge or a new and better life, their leaders must be wondering "did we do the right thing?"

It's not easy for people just to up sticks and replant themselves in a new country. If you share a common language that might make it easier but it can still be a hard and painful experience. Customs, traditions and values may differ considerably.

Germany has now recognised how vast these differences can be. Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced anyone wanting to make Germany their home must now have a good understanding of the German language and German customs. You must show how you are assimilating into German society and that you are employable. If you can't or aren't prepared to make the effort you will be sent back home.

There are areas in Germany where it is hard to spot a German national. The Chancellor knows that over time resentment builds up. One group feels unwanted and unwelcome, the other invaded and overrun by migrants. The growing migrant population becomes susceptible to the ramblings of terror groups. And the West is vulnerable right now because large numbers of disaffected migrant youth are looking for a cause to rally behind.

Migrant communities, whether big or small, are poor. And poor communities, moving in and out of short-term, low paid jobs and dealing with the unfriendly complexities of the welfare system easily drift towards "cheer leaders". They become fertile ground for those spilling propaganda.

Young and impressionable migrants will believe extremist views and want to help. You don't have to travel to become a follower, or a crusader. You can stay home.

The Nice attack last week is an example of "DIY" terrorism. This is the action extremist groups are now recommending. And with millions of migrants now at home in other countries, as a country leader how do you know if your country and citizens will be safe?

Perhaps the new Prime Minister of Britain Theresa May was on to something when she said "we will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few but for every one of us". She emphasised the need to fight "burning injustice".

Migrant populations in many countries are often demonised and made the scapegoat of problems not of their making. Most I would suggest are just trying to improve their lives.

Professor Guy Standing, an Englishman, has written about "the millions of people spending years in squalid hostels, detention centres, camps or pieces of wasteland losing their dignity, skills and humanity".

Could not world leaders work for "every one of them" too?

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.