What a remarkable country New Zealand is.
Two official languages – Māori and English. Sincere respect and appreciation from the Māori and non-Māori populations for the other’s culture and language. Canadians think themselves open and tolerant, but we pale in comparison to the Kiwis.
Social values – the first country to give the vote to women and to have an openly transgender woman not only elected but serving as a federal cabinet minister; gay marriage legal since 2013, universal and publicly funded health care for citizens and permanent residents and, apparently, visitors! I visited Lake District Hospital, saw a doctor, had an xray, saw the doctor again, had a moon boot and crutches fitted, and paid only for the crutches. I’m impressed.
Environmental values – New Zealanders in general are ardent environmentalists. Thirty or so million possums, rats and stoats, not native to NZ, are decimating almost 80% of native bird species. The government has announced an ambitious program to rid itself of these predators by 2050. There is, however, controversy over how to meet this target (or if it can be met at all). Currently pellets of 1080 poison are dropped in areas with predator populations. This poison is not attractive to the species the government is protecting, but occasionally a native bird or animal will consume the poison and die. At the moment, poison is the best method of fighting the invasion of possums and stoats, and in what seems a strange twist, the strongest proponents of 1080 are environmentalists and conservationists .
Amazing landscape – at every turn, there is another beautiful setting. Mountains, lakes, rivers, trees, sheep and deer farms, all balm for the soul. Admittedlty the tour has taken us to the most attractive places, but still they are here. And I have so enjoyed being immersed in all this natural beauty.
Sadly, this wonderful visit down under has come to an end. Haere ra New Zealand, my turangawaewae. (Goodbye New Zealand, my spiritual home.)
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