The Kiwi way must remain people first

New Zealand has been through a year of upheaval and reassessment, and it’s far from over. The Covid-19 pandemic put stress tests on all countries and showed their character, strengths and weaknesses.

New Zealand’s approach at the top level was to avoid as many deaths and serious infections from the coronavirus as possible, while providing support to businesses.

To achieve that, people put up with a lot of restrictions and many suffered setbacks. Overall it has been a slog.

In some countries, people’s health seemed less of a priority, and economic and political considerations clouded the basic approach.

Here, traditional Kiwi values of fairness and equality essentially held sway.

But lately the news has been full of items that have cast doubt on whether those values still hold as strong a grip as Kiwis might imagine.

With the focus now more on the vaccine rollout and economic pressures, there’s something of a values stress test under way as the pandemic’s impact is felt in different areas.

The Government’s newly announced housing policy could adjust a market of fast spiralling prices — in part linked to extra demand from returnees over the past year.

Home-owning has traditionally been seen here by workers as a way of compulsory saving and getting ahead — through buying and selling advantageously or renting out.

But it has become much harder to get into the market. It is important to keep those dreams within reach for all.

Otherwise more young people will chase opportunities and dollars overseas.

The wave of returnees could easily reverse once the pandemic subsides.

The suggestion New Zealand should aim for a “high-value” tourism market after the pandemic seems to run counter to how we have traditionally seen and presented ourselves.

We are known for being welcoming, down-to-earth, and living in a place where anyone with a backpack and hiking boots can experience freedom and adventure in the outdoors.

A lot of what is appealing about the country is tied up with nature and cultural authenticity — enjoying the beautiful settings and relaxed lifestyle, with fresh food, and access for everyone to long stretches of uncrowded beaches and bush.

Specifically aiming for a highspending class of tourist with higher fees to match could risk spreading a reputation of the country as an unfair rip-off.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on the big picture — what’s important, how we see ourselves and how others see us.