As the sun sets on another election season in New Zealand, the nation collectively takes a deep breath. The hustle and bustle, the fervent debates, and the passionate campaigns that have dominated headlines and dinner table conversations are about to come to a close. Today, the ballots will be counted, and a new chapter will begin. But today, we pause and reflect.

NZ Embracing the Calm After the Storm

Sometimes – if you get slightly idnk what to do ( I do not know –what to do or think ) phase just talk to someone next to you or somewhere around you. You might be handed an idea to start off with.

NZ Election Results

The New Zealand general election ends on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

• Preliminary results released progressively from 7pm on election night.
• The Electoral Commission aims to have 50% of the results through by 10pm and 95% of the results available by 11.30pm
• The official count of votes begins the very next day, and official results are declared 20 days after election day.
• This allows for the counting of special votes, which can come in up to 10 days after the election date.
• Therefore, the official results of the 2023 New Zealand general election will be declared on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Ok then…tap tap … let’s have a chat

With the mention of reaching out to someone in Wellington for a ‘hello’, I did the tapping with a question : what one thing would you like to happen when the new government comes in –  I asked Priya. She said buses and trains should be cheaper.

Fair enough. It is not cheap with the going living food expenses and the sky-rocketing rents.

Different points of pain. Different nerves and different solutions

It’s a time for unity and togetherness. Regardless of political affiliations, Kiwis everywhere can come together to appreciate the democratic process that allows every voice to be heard. It’s a testament to the nation’s commitment to fairness, equality, and mutual respect.

I then asked Liliane .the same question.  While laughingly indicating that she was under enormous pressure and could not think of a question (young peeps these days!) she got very busy with her chit-chat and then – after quite a while – pointed out the need to have ‘real’ laws and regulation around landlords increasing rents at random. And the lack of control on charging for rooms that are ABSOLUTELY not fit for purpose.

Ouch. Imagine paying through your nose for an accommodation … dripping cold shower, damp rooms and wind blowing through the derelict doors and windows.

Sad state of affairs for the generation that’s going to build the country they love.

And that’s the beauty of being with nice people. They tell you what they feel. Without much preamble. Without any gripe. The problems are real and they live with it, experiencing it day in and day out.    

Well… lets hope for the best.

Back to the beaches and sunshine

It’s a time for unity and togetherness. Regardless of political affiliations, Kiwis everywhere can come together to appreciate the democratic process that allows every voice to be heard. It’s a testament to the nation’s commitment to fairness, equality, and mutual respect.

In the coming days, as the adrenaline of the election season fades, New Zealanders will return to their daily routines. The local cafés will once again buzz with conversations about the All Blacks’ latest match or the upcoming arts festival, rather than the latest political poll. The beaches will see families enjoying picnics, and the hiking trails will be filled with nature enthusiasts, all basking in the beauty that is Aotearoa.

It’s also a time for reflection. The election has brought to the forefront various issues and concerns, and it’s essential to continue these discussions in a constructive manner. After all, the essence of democracy doesn’t end at the ballot box; it’s an ongoing dialogue.

So, as New Zealand stands on the cusp of a new political era, let’s embrace the cooldown period. Let’s cherish the moments of tranquility, celebrate the democratic spirit, and look forward to a future filled with promise, unity, and the quintessential Kiwi resilience.

Here’s to New Zealand – a nation that knows how to passionately debate, vote with conviction, and then come together as one, always moving forward.

Reminds me of a poem

Homeland

-by Allen Curnow

Homeland, my homeland,

Land of the long white cloud,

Where the mountains rise,

And the rivers flow loud.

Where the forests are green,

And the beaches are gold,

Where the people are friendly,

And the stories are old.

This is our homeland. This is where we all work together to make things right.