In a world which is increasingly polarised in its politics, economics and beliefs about religion, race and gender, we desperately need people who can build bridges between opposing forces. People who can help us understand the other side's point of view. Political leaders have the opportunity to be that voice of reason. Unfortunately, too many find it expedient to adopt the rhetoric of anger and division to inflame tensions for short term political gain.

On race relations there has been a growing climate of fear and intolerance. Chris Trotter made some good points in his 2022 column on colonisation.
We need respectful dialogue at the flaxroots level if we are to make a nation together which respects cultural differences, democratic norms, and the Treaty. Just as the last government made a mess of clearly explaining co-governance, the current government needs to be careful not to fall victim to reactionary pressures which could setback race relations by decades.
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