As TVNZ tackles the topic of our future, we ask well-known Kiwis what changes they hope the next 20 years will bring to new Zealand and the world.
Wendy Petrie
TV presenter
So many stories we do on the news are about the chronic lack of housing, especially in our biggest city. It always makes me upset to see young families living in garages, cars or
sub-standard cold houses. These kids suffer the most in winter when they catch diseases such as rheumatic fever, usually only found in third-world countries. As an ambassador for Kidz First at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland, I hear about how the lack of decent housing is affecting our kids terribly. So in 20 years I hope to see well-insulated, warm houses for all Kiwis.
Laurel Devenie
Actor
Capital gains tax, less foreign ownership, more national funds in the Far North, a restored northern railway line, no plastic bags, compulsory te reo in primary and high schools, a reformed welfare system, growers' markets in every town, more women in leadership roles, less billionaires, happy children, more hot water bottles, less America, more bicycles.
Pua Magasiva
Actor
I'd love to see a whole bunch of positive and country unifying things - and I really hope that as a country of all colours and cultures we're always moving towards that. Beyond that, what I'm kind of hoping to see is a damn good Michael Jackson impersonator who can actually sing Man in the Mirror exactly the way Michael did - and be able to moonwalk not only backwards but in a circular motion.