My concern for New Zealand, and closer to home, is that in the short time I have been over here, I have been struck by a nation which is 'getting on with it' and talking a lot about how things should be achieved rather than why they shouldn't - which is a vocal mode of thinking back home.
Mining is a clear example. Over here there are numerous advertisements promoting the value of mining to the Australian economy and extolling the virtues for young people of a career in the industry.
One ad features a young German woman who has been trained to lead a team of specialists, ensuring an uninterrupted supply chain across a network of mines.
An industry attracting skilled migrants and enhancing the country's economic health - a good thing don't you think?
Yet in NZ, the mere whiff of potential mining - in spite of the positive economic spin offs - sparks marches in the streets (led mainly by moneyed-up celebrities who chose to grow a social conscience when the light of fame shone on them).
For the rest of us who don't live in L.A., we have an economy which is like a cold engine that has just started, while next-door, our neighbour's economy is humming like a Holden HSV.
We need to grasp some of these sorts of economic opportunities both locally and nationally, which Australia is converting.
What does this mean for us locally? Well, we should be first in line to take up the opportunity of mining iron sands offshore - and take it with both hands.
Let's have Wanganui as the support centre for that industry, building businesses to support it (or having them establish here).
Secondly, Australia is a big market and (if you are prepared to get up early) you can be in downtown Sydney by the time Dave at Ceramic is serving up lunch.
If you have products or services which have universal appeal, why not look at opening up Sydney or Melbourne as a new market?
Believe me, the money, resources and economy here could, if done correctly, become an important revenue stream for a motivated business.
My gut feel is that the words above don't do justice to either my concern or the opportunity that our nearest neighbours present. However, if we want a growing economy, more jobs and economic prosperity, we may need to change our thinking as a nation.
Zenith Solutions is a Wanganui-based management consulting practice. It specialises in providing strategic planning, business process improvement and financial management services. Contact russell@zenith-solutions.co.nz or phone 021-244-2421.
