There are weeds in the garden...

There is a saying that the difference between a weed and a flower is a judgement. To a degree that is true, although what is considered a weed in one context might be considered an asset in another. Often though, we call something a weed because it undermines the garden by preventing diversity, beauty and nourishment, and stifles the growth of more desired vegetation.

In looking with evolutionary eyes at the political 'moment' New Zealand finds itself in less than three weeks out from a general election, there is plenty to see. If New Zealand was a garden, we have discovered some ‘new’ weeds. If we ignore them they will take hold unchecked and this will make them much harder to eradicate later. The weed in question is corruption and wherever it came from, it would be a great shame if it grew unchecked.

It appears that the weeds of cunning and stealth employed with dark intent and self-interest have been growing here in li'l ol New Zealand, a country that prides itself on being less corrupt than anywhere else on earth. We may play right up to the rules in this country but in our guts we stand for playing fair. This shows we have a level of integrity as a country that we pride ourselves in. If that is true, anything that doesn't fit that image must be shown up, burned off, snipped or ‘weeded’ out. In so doing we affirm to each other and ourselves what really matters to us. To keep ourselves ‘weed free’ we must know what these weeds look like and dig them out wherever we find them, especially as it relates to our political environment. If we don’t, the rot of corruption can get a toe-hold and set in and our way of life is compromised.

We have so much to be proud of regarding our way of life (and of course there is always more we can do). Each and every person has a part to play. To cause harm we have to not care. It is hard to harm something we care deeply about. Deciding what to care about, what we want to grow in the garden, is pivotal to what will grow. It is up to us to hold ourselves to account, take responsibility for the country we enjoy and contribute what we can to its healthy continuance. Corruption is a weed – whether in business, sport, politics, or any other domain, Kiwis don’t like cheating. We CARE about that.

In my view we will look back on this time as a ‘moment’ the nature of our political process hit a bump in the road. We discovered a weed of corruption in the garden, we got rid of it, made the requisite corrections to prevent it recurring, and moved forward in better shape than before, because WE CARE.

We stand for fair play so lets clean up the garden and get on with enjoying it – after all, we are the envy of many living where we do, with all that we have and all that we are. We really are blessed – let’s work to make that true for everyone. There is work to do!

And that’s it, from my view.

Amanda