• John Hawkes is a writer in retirement
During my 1950s sport-obsessed youth, I had no idea we were the world's third-wealthiest country. Nor did I know we had a trove of natural resources, including the world's fourth-largest exclusive economic zone. Our climate, and the absence of ferocious mammals and deadly reptiles, meant I was unwittingly living in a virtual South Sea Pacific island paradise.
Though we remain far removed from the world's numerous conflict zones, that paradise is now unobtainable for many. Why? Foremost causes are unaffordable housing, household and foreign debt levels, a largely low-wage economy with few well-paid jobs and low productivity. How might we regain our paradise potential for all of our people?
First, forgo investing overwhelmingly in property. We invest much more in housing than in businesses that employ many. And we won't raise our standard of living selling houses to each other.
We need more leaders of the calibre of the compassionate Dr Lance O'Sullivan, a North Auckland Maori GP, who has instigated a workable consensus to lessen poverty and improve not only healthcare but employment and education.