The knock-on effects of the latest wars started by the United States is a reminder that when they act Aotearoa is not immune.
Just last night, the Government met to urgently consider the return of carless days and fuel rationing. Flights have been reduced to some of our most vulnerable regions to conserve fuel and families are bracing for drastic rises in electricity bills this coming winter.
While Christopher Luxon and the current Government is urging the New Zealand public to not be nosy, to not get involved with the world, what they are really telling us is “don’t make us accountable for our actions these last two and half years”. Because they’ve cut the earning potential of women and wāhine for generations – money that is proven to go to heating homes and feeding children. Because they’ve exchanged renewable energy solutions for tax breaks in the landlord’s pocket. They’re selling multimillion-dollar citizenship to the billionaires who are burning the world to the ground.
And now this Government are facing the consequences of their actions – because their time is up. At the College and Section Forum earlier this week I gave a call to action: that we can still care whilst we amplify our voices through action. That we can continue to promote our profession as one of strength and dignity, and we can do that through resistance – by reclaiming our sovereignty in the workplace.
While this Government has its own priorities, we will continue to maintain ours. To hold the line for our patients, their families; whānau and communities.