Any crime, let alone an act of terrorism, always raises many questions. With the awful and disturbing stabbing of seven people while supermarket shopping by an Islamist terrorist, there is no shortage of such questions.  I should start by saying – and what will be the theme of this opinion piece – is that questioning is good.  In fact, the more questions, the more discussions, the more uncomfortable conversations, the better; Indeed, it is how we learn, grow, and improve.

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We Must Choose a Side (Before One is Chosen for Us)

In recent days, three of our closest allies announced a new defence treaty: AUKUS. New Zealand was conspicuously absent. Even more striking is that this treaty between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America is about our own backyard – the Indo-Pacific. I would suggest our exclusion has much to do with New Zealand’s relationship with China, or more precisely, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This relationship has been described to me by allies as ‘ambiguous’, ‘lacking clarity’, and ‘confusing’, particularly in light of the importance we place on human rights, democracy, and loyalty to our traditional friends. It is no wonder that when talks of a defence treaty involving the most cutting edge technology and cooperation was underway, New Zealand was not involved. And let’s be clear, we were not invited.

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Democracy matters. However, it is clear that there are some New Zealanders who are taking this for granted as they push both a separatist and ‘hate speech’ agenda. Both need to be rejected.

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Proportionalism.  Not an overly inspiring word, but one that is more relevant than ever and something desperately needed as New Zealand continues to respond to Covid-19.  

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Like everyone, living in this lock down is a surreal experience.  Plans have changed, priorities re-ordered, relationships are being redefined.  By order, we are confined to our homes; are restricted in what physical activity we can undertake; have had the media limited; and our businesses closed.

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