One of the major things I've noticed in my role as a columnist and also in my local government and governance roles is the dichotomy or tension between government and individual or personal responsibility. In nearly every forum or platform I see or have been a part of, whether that's through a letter to the editor, a talking point or an organisational committee, there is always someone or a collective of people calling on the Government to do something, or to stop doing something more accurately at times. In the same arenas there are those that fight back saying that we can't rely on government but rather we each need to take personal responsibility for a matter and, perhaps a little too simplistically but in essence, step up and sort it out for ourselves.
Where do I stand on the matter? Right smack bang in the middle pretty much. I believe enormously in the power of government. With the flick of a pen legislation can be created and laws changed that can have a tremendous impact on each of our lives. This power must be stewarded well with responsibility of the representatives to the people. Government, its laws, institutions, policies and practices are so inextricably intertwined with our everyday lives that government should never totally throw its hands up and abrogate responsibility to the people. Equally, I believe immensely in personal power. The mind, will and spirit of a person is a brilliant thing. Get a person, or group of people, fired up enough about something and that wall is going to come tumbling down, or built - or whatever it is that's willed - it's going to happen.
My point in all this is that there are some things government needs to do, and some things we each need to do in life - we need each other and each have responsibility. Most importantly, though, my point is to acknowledge our everyday mums and dads in our community, our aunties and uncles, nanna and poppas, our next-door neighbour - this is to acknowledge all those that may not have a Government title or public "platform" per se with which to exert influence but rather you hold a prime spot of influence as the matriarchs and patriarchs in your homes, of your families and respective communities ... which is, perhaps, the most important space and calling of all.
There are some things Government can't simply legislate: a loving, caring home is one of them and, I believe, our true pillar of success as individuals and as a society.
It is on this note largely that I have made the decision to resign from this post. I have a 5-month-old little man at home who I cherish and adore with all my heart. He's a healthy 10kg already, stretching size 1 clothes and making carseat shopping a delightfully expensive experience as he, of course, can fit into only the most expensive models.
He's growing up so fast and I wish to spend as much time with him as I can.
I thank you all for the opportunity to engage with you and be a small part of your lives.
I wish you and your families all the best for the future. Signing off but still on day duty.
Thank you and God bless.
Jacoby Poulain is a Hastings district councillor and a board member of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board and EIT.
