We asked: So what did 2020 teach you?

It was a challenging year, but we all took something away from it.

Dr Ang Jury, chief executive, Women’s Refuge

I think the thing that sticks in my mind from this year is just how amazingly Kiwis pulled together to support each other when called to. I’ve been amazed. We should all be really proud.

Professor Paul Spoonley, sociologist

The pandemic has provided a real stress test for our core institutions, leaders and values and how this country of Aotearoa responds collectively when faced by unexpected and destabilising circumstances. Yes, there have been missteps and cynics but the fact that on most accounts, the country has come through with not simply a pass mark but at the top of the class is something to acknowledge. An honourable mention should also be made of those members of the Muslim community who spoke about their losses – and yes, forgiveness – in a Christchurch court room. Both speak to the human spirit and humanity of this country.

Judith Collins, National leader

No matter how dire the situation, no matter how loud the naysayers – never, ever give up.

James Shaw, Green Party co-leader

If 2020, and the Covid-19 pandemic, has taught us anything, it is that we must act in accordance with science, and that when acting, the best defence is a strong offence. It is crucial that we apply the same approach to the climate crisis.

Marama Davidson, Green Party co-leader

How to cough into my elbow. That in times of urgency, we support our grassroots and community-led organisations to do what they do best. It is essential to any collective response so that we take good care of each other.

Jehan Casinader, journalist and author

We can all eliminate noise, clutter and chaos. Life is so much richer when you can be fully present in whatever you’re doing, with the people around you. I haven’t mastered this, but I’m a work in progress.

Anna Burns-Francis, TVNZ US correspondent

This year has taught me the value of patience (not a skill I was renowned for previously). While the other kids were getting into Fleets and TikTok, I downloaded Calm... daily meditation and LeBron James’ mindfulness has got me through 2020.

Dr Joanna Kidman, Professor of Ma¯ori Education

People in Ma¯ori communities are used to stepping up in times of crisis, and we are

constantly learning from each other. During the

2020 pandemic the quiet, resolute, behind-the-scenes leadership of so many

Ma¯ori women and men guided us through some of the darkest hours of the lock-downs and that was my daily inspiration.

Shamubeel Eaqub, economist

I learnt that we – as a nation – are capable of doing big and bold things, if we want to.

It was collectivism in action, that is clearly missing in so many other countries we look to. We have much to celebrate in New Zealand, but also many things to fix like housing, poverty and racism. If only we could do what we did in 2020 for Covid, for those other issues, imagine what a nation we would be.

Tessa Duder, author

To appreciate what we’ve got: a country of sublime natural beauty, brilliant sciencedriven leadership, trusting citizens who quickly adapted to new ways of working and living together. True, not rosy for all; lockdown was especially hard for women, small business took a knock, housing, poverty and climate change urgently need tackling. But compared with most other countries, a safe haven in a troubled world.

Jennifer Ward-Lealand, actor

My overwhelming feeling is of being incredibly grateful. When I look around at my colleagues overseas it’s been very, very difficult for them. The fact

I’ve been able to work on lots of different television productions and various roles, I just have enormous gratitude, we have leadership that made it possible for us to be able to work.

Sid Sahrawat; owner and executive chef – Sidart, Cassia and Sid at The French Cafe´

2020 what a year... it’s taught me not to take the mundane routine life for granted because it can be taken away in the blink of an eye. In lockdown I started craving the sameness of going to the gym then work then home to the whanau ... The lockdowns had their benefits, giving me time with the kids which I don’t get so much working across the three restaurants, but I missed my everyday routines and interactions with my team and our guests.

Jesse Mulligan, The Project/ Radio New Zealand broadcaster

I’ve re- learnt basic maths, because I had to teach it to my daughters. You don’t

‘‘carry the one’’ any more; instead it’s all about ‘tidy numbers’ (2020 is something of a tidy number itself, though as we all know it’s been a complete f...... mess).

Mike Puru, broadcaster

It’s certainly been a year of recognising all the things you put off until ‘‘later’’ – you should do now because you may not get that ‘‘ later’’ we all wait for – refocused and grateful have been key words so it’s time to seize the day and make 2021 awesome.

Anna Guenther, entrepreneur

One of the things I learned after two weeks in managed isolation is that

TikTok isn’t just for kids and dance moves. I got addicted, and love the cooking, crafts/art and home renovation TikTok, as well as bad date stories. You can learn new things, and feel better about your life. And I reckon China has all my data already anyways.

Oscar Kightley, author, screenwriter and journalist

2020 taught me that the best laid plans of mice and humans don’t mean jack. It was a year to let go of any delusions of control.