Hopeful signs that we've listened

Maybe, just maybe, we're finally learning.

There are encouraging noises coming from women's groups, who are suggesting that despite bracing for a surge in domestic violence around the Rugby World Cup, there has so far been no sign of the suggested spike in the number of incidents.

New Zealanders have traditionally never handled defeat that well - there's no shortage of research to show a rise in the number of violent incidents on nights where the All Blacks have failed to get over the line.

But this time around, things appear to be different.

Perhaps it's a wider symptom of the exuberance and good grace with which most New Zealanders appear to have embraced the tournament - there appears to be a desire to be the best hosts we can be.

Surely, if we're going to look after our visitors (as we should), it makes sense to treat those closest to us at home with the same measure of dignity and respect?

It's a sobering thought, but it needs to be remembered that we're not out of the woods yet.

The World Cup is down to the last four teams, and as the crunch games approach and many gather for parties to celebrate the semifinal action, there's inevitably a rise in the potential for violence.

We can only hope this doesn't occur this time around - it's more important to be winners off the field than on it.

Treasury's decision late last week to tighten up its gifts and hospitality policy following a review by an independent auditor is a smart move, but one which has its origins in the misdemeanours of our country's politicians.

Only since various MPs were exposed for dodgy credit-card spending has the public light of opprobrium truly begun to shine on our nation's powerbrokers.

It's ironic then that earlier this year it was politicians from the Green Party that raised concerns over "treats" received by Treasury's Debt Management Office staff from banks, including lunches, dinners, and theatre and sports tickets.

Now the public mood has irreversibly shifted, and Treasury's decision reflects that shift.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz