As New Zealand gears up for its 2023 general elections, the mood across the nation is a blend of anticipation, uncertainty, and reflection. The political landscape has been marked by significant events, policy shifts, and societal changes in recent years, all of which have shaped the public’s perception and expectations of the upcoming polls in Gisborne, Tasman, West Coast, Wellington, and Canterbury. The current parliament was elected on 17 October 2020. The next general election is scheduled to take place on 14 October 2023
New Zealand Economic Concerns:
The economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be a dominant concern for many New Zealanders. While the country has been lauded internationally for its swift and effective response to the virus, the economic downturn and job losses have left a lasting impact. The government’s economic recovery plans, infrastructure projects, and support for small businesses are under scrutiny, with voters keenly assessing which party offers the most robust solutions for economic revival.
New Zealand Environmental Issues:
New Zealand’s commitment to environmental sustainability remains unwavering. The climate crisis, conservation efforts, and sustainable agriculture are high on the agenda. Parties are being evaluated on their environmental policies, with a significant portion of the electorate demanding aggressive action against climate change and a transition to renewable energy sources.
New Zealand Social Cohesion:
The Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019 have left an indelible mark on New Zealand’s collective consciousness. The tragedy underscored the importance of social cohesion, inclusivity, and the fight against extremism. As a result, parties’ stances on immigration, community integration, and measures to combat hate crimes are pivotal in this election.
New Zealand Healthcare:
The healthcare system, already under pressure before the pandemic, faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. The public’s experience during the pandemic, from testing to vaccination campaigns, has brought healthcare policies to the forefront. Voters are looking for assurances of improved healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and affordability.
New Zealand Indigenous Rights:
The rights of the Maori community, New Zealand’s indigenous population, continue to be a focal point. Land rights, cultural preservation, and representation in governance are critical issues. The Waitangi Tribunal’s findings and recommendations are central to discussions, with parties being gauged on their commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi.
New Zealand Election Youth Engagement:
The youth of New Zealand, invigorated by global movements and the pressing issues of their time, are more politically engaged than ever. Their concerns range from education reforms and job opportunities to mental health support and housing affordability. The parties’ outreach to this demographic and their policy offerings will be crucial in swaying the youth vote.
New Zealand Election Media’s Role:
The role of media in shaping public opinion has been evident in the run-up to the elections. With the proliferation of digital platforms, misinformation and fake news have become pressing concerns. The electorate is increasingly discerning, seeking out credible sources and fact-checking claims, making the role of responsible journalism paramount.
In conclusion, the pre-election mood in New Zealand is a reflection of a nation at a crossroads, grappling with global challenges while staying true to its unique identity and values. The electorate is informed, engaged, and expects transparency, accountability, and visionary leadership from its elected representatives. As the election day approaches, the nation waits with bated breath, hopeful for a future that aligns with its aspirations and dreams.
( synopsis source : https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300564234/election-2023-what-to-expect-as-we-head-into-election-year )
It will be interesting to look at the present scenario within education, corruption, cost of living, job market, and criminal stats areas.
New Zealand Education:
Some years back NZ ranked 4thin the world of Education Sector:
| Sr No | Country | Literacy Rate |
| 1 | Germany | 99% |
| 2 | Finland | 100% |
| 3 | Iceland | 99% |
| 4 | New Zealand | 99% |
Wither Education for NZ :
Today it is a different story. From the article “Once world-class, NZ’s education system is now a disaster. How do we fix it?” on The New Zealand Initiative:
https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/once-world-class-nzs-education-system-is-now-a-disaster-how-do-we-fix-it/
1. Slow-Burning Disaster: New Zealand‘s education system is undergoing a slow decline, much like a tadpole born in lukewarm water and dying of old age as the water dries up.
2. Past Excellence: The education system in New Zealand was once world-class. When the OECD began testing education systems globally in 2000, New Zealand ranked 3rd for maths and 4th for reading among 41 countries.
3. Decline in Performance: By the time the latest PISA results were released in 2018, New Zealand’s performance had dropped significantly. The country ranked only 27th out of 78 participating nations.
4. Misleading NCEA Results: The NCEA assessment system shows that around 80% of students graduate with NCEA Level 2, an increase from 60% two decades ago. However, these results are misleading due to simultaneous declines in international tests like PISA.
5. Literacy and Numeracy Concerns: In 2014, the Tertiary Education Commission highlighted poor levels of numeracy and literacy among school leavers. The recent assessment by the Education Ministry revealed that only two-thirds of 15-year-old students passed reading tests, just over half passed numeracy tests, and only one-third passed writing tests.
6. Socio-Economic Disparities: There is a significant disparity in educational achievement based on socio-economic factors. Only 2% of students from Decile 1 schools passed the Ministry’s new writing test, compared to 62% from Decile 10 schools.
7. Parental Interventions: Concerned parents have tried to compensate for the education system’s decline by providing additional support at home, hiring private tutors, and enrolling their children in private schools.
8. Need for Comprehensive Reform: The article emphasizes the need for a complete overhaul of the education system, including better teacher training, a knowledge-rich curriculum, improved assessment and monitoring systems, and a revamp of the education bureaucracy.
9. Failed Policies: The decline in the education system is attributed to the failed policies of successive governments rather than external factors like wars.
10. Call for Action: The article concludes with a call for politicians to acknowledge the current state of the education system and take decisive actions to address the issues.
