Our future lies in finding our place in the world
November 13 12:00 AM
AUTHOR: Robin Gunston
How much New Zealand has changed in its global alignment!
The meagre crowds turning out for a Royal Visit this week would be less than 1% of those who would have been around for that in 1983 when Prince Charles was last here.
In those intervening years our country has, through demographic change and the ongoing effects of a highly globalised world, altered its allegiances and its focus.We play all our cards by attending not only the Commonwelath Heads of Government Meeting (perhaps only for show), but now put far more emphasis on APEC, ASEAN and other more powerful affairs. Alas we do not have enough clout to be called to a G20 summit but who knows perhaps with GFC2 its all a matter of time before we qualify!
So where does this small, globally remote country with a minute percentage of the global population find its rightful place on the world stage?
There are perhaps three main areas that would play to our strength as a continuing liberal democracy:
Firstly we could be a demonstration model to other less politically stable countries of the benefits of a free, multicultural, civically minded society. We have a strong history in this regard and MMP has given us a much fuller representation of who we are as a people. With some Pacific neighbours needing a stable model to that they have at present, perhaps we could package it up and sell it as a concept? To enfranchise others is the noblest calling in order to bring peace to the world.
Secondly we could have a much stronger focus on being a major supplier of basic necessities to the world. Asia with its billions of people is on our doorstep and is the future engine of world growth and demand. Fonterra has started to make inroads in its supply of miilk powder and other foods but our other two basic materials of wood and water have not been given a similar treatment. If we are to believe weather pundits global climate based disasters are set to increase- what an opportunity to package quick build shelter and get bulk fresh water to such sites in some innovative manner, and then to lock into that supply chain for the long term needs.
Thirdly we have to find a way to use both our distance and time relativity to the rest of the world to far better advantage.In this "instant" age. There is surely room here with data mining and constructive analysis to engineer political and economic advantage by challenging global thought and market positions whilst the rest of the world slumbers?
UnitedFuture believes in creating the frameworks for our nation to be succesful and to continue to punch above its weight in all areas of endeavour, not just sport! Laying a platform for democracy, building community action, lessening the power and influence of the State, giving encourgament to free enterprise all form part of our basket of pragmatic policies that will not only help individuals and families but also build our sense of nationhood. We are still young, only 172 years in the making and still not quite sure enough of our global identity.
What do you think?