For our children's future, use our single vote wisely

"Do not think that your single vote does not matter. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops." - Kate Sheppard

I am not usually one to pay much notice of political activities, but leading up to an election, the governance of our country and the debates between parties seeking having power, is right in our faces.

Political activities are aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organisation. The election for who will govern our country for the next three years will hold our attention for the next week or two.

At Parliament we do not yet have our statue of Kate Sheppard, the most prominent member of the women's suffrage movement in New Zealand and the country's most famous suffragist. But I'm sure she would be smiling as two women contest the chance to lead our country for the next three years.

As I listened to them debate what they will bring to one of the highest positions of power in New Zealand, I remembered Kate Sheppard's words: "Every woman has the right to become herself and do whatever she needs to do", and when speaking of woman's "sphere" in her day and the cost of stepping outside that sphere she said, "We must be ourselves at all risks". Ms Ardern and Mrs Collins are themselves, at all risks.

It seems to me that there is an authenticity about this election, it is deeply personal to most of us as we try to remain covid free and still keep our economy going. The only way to do this is to use our single vote wisely for the best outcome for our children and our children's children.

Of course Angels don't really get involved with politics but I'm sure there is agreement with Kate Sheppard and her wise words when she said, "The question for me is whether we can keep Earth a safe, pleasant place for humankind and the ecosystems we rely on."

So, my friends, as you are bombarded with who to vote for, I invite you to keep this in mind. Who can best help us keep our earth safe and a pleasant place for all kind? Who can best work towards preserving the ecosystems needed for this?

Arohanui. Shirley-Joy