An Uncertain World
We are living through the most challenging international environment that New Zealand has faced in the past 80 years. Navigating chaotic conditions such as these requires experience.
And experience has never mattered more.
This is not a time for performative posturing and senseless virtue signalling. It’s a time for cool heads, rational judgements about what is possible, and an active diplomacy that listens, learns, and adapts to the chances when they present themselves.
That’s what we’ve done in the last three years.
It has been in stark contrast to the vacuum that was left by the Labour government in the preceding three years.
The chasm that was left in our international relationships was immense when we came into government, and the position Labour left New Zealand in, in the midst of such an unstable world and economically precarious position was potentially devastating.
The world is in a troubled state, the worst we can remember. And yet, having returned last week from the Pacific Islands Forum, we are hopeful, because our discussions were gripped by how our friends, like us, see opportunity amidst so much turmoil.
We haven’t needed lectures from others to act; no, we’ve been seizing chances to advance New Zealand’s economic and security relationships with energy ever since this term began. Our 80 plus overseas trips have not been to collect passport stamps, but to enhance existing agreements, or create new ones, whether in our region, the Pacific, or in Asia, South America, Europe and the Nordics.
In country after country, we have learned first-hand that they want to do more with us, they too see opportunity, and our job is to make the most of them.
That said, do not underestimate just how disruptive the geo-strategic environment is. It’s a hugely complex and challenging period we are facing. This places an enormous premium on experience, and through experience, good judgements that protect New Zealand’s vital interests.
We take the world as it is, not as some cloistered varsity lecturer or woke leftie wants it to be. The record shows that we have exercised sound judgement when it has mattered most.
With experience comes prudence, and with diplomacy comes opportunity, and that is why we are guardedly optimistic that New Zealand will emerge from the serious global disruptions in a strong position to exploit every opportunity that we create or that comes our way.
The State of the Economy
As for the state of the economy, well we all know the economy isn’t where it should be. We all know that, without having to be told because kiwis are struggling sometimes working two, even three jobs, just to make ends meet.
New Zealand First unlike the rest, has constantly said that it will take time to turn our economy around.
