Introducing: The common core debate

If New Zealand is to forge a new future, it must decide what it wants to be.

Before it can reach that decision, it must have a clear understanding of the principles that will guide it.

Ad hoc decisions that bring a short-term advantage here or a quick return there will not create a new New Zealand, or even a future with some sense of promise.

If this country is to reinvent itself - and there is mounting evidence in a rapidly changing world that it has little choice - it must have a clear picture of the values it wishes to preserve and those it wishes to nurture.

We are, however, in a precarious position. We lack a clearly defined shared vision. The image of our national character is less a portrait than an out-of-focus snapshot.

The Herald believes New Zealanders must start talking - about themselves. Only by engaging in a lively national conversation will we begin to articulate the values and guiding principles that are the signposts to the future that we collectively desire.

By talking about the basic ideals that are important to us, we will bring into sharper focus a sense of who we are and what we want to be.

Dialogue today starts the Common Core Debate, a forum in which common principles can be articulated. The debate will canvass areas such as education, health, welfare, government and constitution, commerce, environment, technology and social attitudes.

Readers are invited to contribute to these discussions. Each section of the debate will begin with two articles - catalytic essays - to set the tone.

To begin, author Michael King, a visiting professor at Georgetown University in Washington, and Herald columnist Gordon McLauchlan examine afresh the quintessential elements that mark us as New Zealanders.

Herald Online feature: Common core values

We invite to you to contribute to the debate on common core values. E-mail dialogue@herald.co.nz.