We need to better understand politics as voters especially in Wellington

Wellington Central: A Call to Action for Educated Voters

Wellington Central, the heart of New Zealand's political landscape, is renowned for its highly educated, motivated, and politically engaged population. It's where public servants, PhD holders, and advocacy groups converge, making it a hub of political activity. Today, I address you – the well-educated, employed, and politically savvy individuals of this dynamic electorate – We all need to do better!

The Responsibility of Political Outcomes

In the complex web of political dynamics, the responsibility for our nation's political outcomes is shared among various entities, including political parties, individual politicians, and critical institutions like Parliament, the Public Service Sector, Universities, and the media. As a political analyst, I make it my mission to scrutinize these institutions, continually experimenting with novel approaches that challenge the status quo.

Shifting the Burden of Proof

One such approach I advocate for is the concept of shifting the burden of proof when it comes to discrimination. Rather than placing this responsibility solely on the victims, we should also hold institutions accountable for their actions. This perspective can lead to more equitable and just outcomes in our society. You can check out my Master's thesis, where I aim to make a dent in this approach.

Reflections from the 2023 Election

My recent experience of running in the 2023 election in Wellington Central provided invaluable insights. It became evident that voters bear a significant responsibility. Many lack a fundamental understanding of how politics functions, its relationship with policies, politicians, and institutions. Furthermore, the distinction between campaigning, governing, and advocating often eludes them, as does the understanding of the political spectrum, spanning from the left to the right and the center.

The Urgent Need for Civic Education

One glaring issue that has come to the forefront is the absence of comprehensive civic education in New Zealand. Our political discourse is increasingly overshadowed by identity politics, group politics, and culture politics. It's as if our ability to think flexibly and find common ground has been eclipsed.

Shared Responsibility for Progress

While the challenges are significant, I firmly believe that it's the collective responsibility of all citizens to contribute to a healthier political landscape. Our nation operates under a liberal democracy with an MMP system, demanding that we understand its intricacies if we intend to navigate our way out of the perceived political quagmire.

Practical Ideas for Progress

To set us on the path towards positive change, let's consider a few essential ideas:

1. The Right is not synonymous with racism and sexism.

2. The Left is not infallible and all-encompassing in its righteousness.

3. The Center represents a viable political option, not a lack of conviction.

Wellington Central, with its exceptional pool of intellect and activism, has the potential to lead the charge in improving our nation's political discourse and outcomes. In pursuit of this vision, I invite you to subscribe to my new newsletter, "Less Certain." Together, we can work towards a less polarized, more informed, and engaged electorate, ensuring that we all do better in shaping the future of New Zealand.