Is it a joke, a stunt? If so, it is a very good one.
If the North Shore wants to do its own thing and become an independent state and possibly a tax haven (some might think it is one already, but that is another debate for another day) then let them go.
The rest of the country can do without the North Shore. We have our own problems and do not need to be burdened with theirs as well.
I guess they could put a checkpoint and embassy at the end of the bridge and charge an entry fee.
They would want their own passports but what would the new entity be called? The Tax-Free Citizens Republic of North Shore, the Independent State of Northern Shore? Perhaps Miriam has her eye on power and setting up Clementsville?
They would have to have their own currency — a virtual currency. Shorecoin could be an option but at the moment packs of butter or tins of petrol are a more reliable currency as they are increasing in value and will soon be worth more than a small car.
Will the new state of North Shore provide social and financial support to those in their community who are struggling with the cost of living?
Maybe they will persuade those people to move back over the bridge by making housing so expensive that only the very wealthy can live there? I forgot Auckland has already done.
An independent North Shore would not be able to go the government for funding but have to finance its own infrastructure. This would mean high taxes for residents who may not be keen to pay for their own stuff.
A rebellion against the high cost of services could lead to a coup overthrowing the elected governance. We might see the imposition of martial law and a foreign power (NZ) invading and taking over.
They could prevent this by bringing back Scutage. This was a tax applied by rulers in the middle ages to fund wars.
It was demanded from lords and barons in lieu of providing actual soldiers in order to finance the huge cost of maintaining an army. (We still do have a form of scutage — part of our taxes goes to defence even when we are not sure we need all those weapons.)
If Miriam Clements gets her way and there is a national referendum on independence for the North Shore, she might find she gets what she wished for.
The rest of the country would probably be quite content to let the North Shore go, provided there is a clause that says they cannot come back into the country if it doesn't work out.
Like Brexit, any move towards Shorexit can only end in tears.
*Terry Sarten (aka Tel) is a writer, musician and social worker — feedback welcome: tgs@inspire.net.nz
More from Terry Sarten:
Terry Sarten: Imprisoned by old ideas
Terry Sarten: With Hubris Unlimited you're special ... and the rules don't apply
Terry Sarten: Live life and live longer
