So where are we at as a nation right now?

The Covid-19 pandemic is still underway, but we seem to be able to cope with it now on a national level at least.

However, as we settle down to the new norm, it’s anything but normal. The really big challenges still exist: i.e. continued loss of biodiversity and climate change.

Then there’s small humps like integrating co-governance into our culture, and lots of others?

Yep, there are those still not up to speed with these realities, and maybe they never will get up to speed. I’m personally choosing to not put energy into these people, as I just don’t have the bandwidth to give a shit anymore.

There is also talk about recession, like it’s a bad thing. I’ve been through five recessions since being in business, and some of the really tough ones have been the best thing for the long term economy and also my own personal situation. Notably, when I was farming as a young fella in my 20s, Roger Douglas took away our subsidies, and introduced major reforms, while interest rates were 16-23%. F…k that was tough, yet while it was brutal at the time I was so thankful it happened in the long term.

I’m no economist, but I do know we need recessions in the cycle.

Ironically while business confidence is down (that’s the emotional bit) our financial economy is holding up incredibly well.

We have an election this year in Aotearoa NZ, which will be unique, in that for the first time misinformation, and disinformation will play a big part in the electoral process and therefore the outcomes. Much of this will be manipulated by outside forces wanting to destabilise a small functioning democratic country in the Pacific basin, which is becoming strategically very important to the super powers. Getting out and listening to political candidates in the flesh will never be as important as in this election.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has stepped down after an extraordinary five and a half years in office. One of her greatest legacies I believe will be her positive influence on the young politicians and leaders coming through the ranks, and how they show up in the world.

Whether you align with her politics or not, Prime Minister Ardern has broken many glass ceilings and will be remembered and revered for a very long time. In years to come I hope people realise the extent of the vitriol this young mother has had to endure on top of the responsibility of being Prime Minister.

The irony is that many of her abusers could have lost their lives to Covid-19 if her leadership was not so effective throughout the pandemic.

I have no doubt women face more abuse than men in politics, and other roles. This is not okay. We will do better as a nation, because we must.

The best essay I read (and I read a few) about Ardern’s resignation was penned by  Zara Potts, which is worth a look.

And our new found drug called social media, where you can say whatever you want with little consequence or accountability needs greater understanding as individuals. The compounding effect of social media vitriol on humanity is eroding our self respect, and those of others. So it has been a nice surprise to see the hate traffic diminishing after just a few days as it has been highlighted by commentators.

If you are interested in the dangers of social media and online games Robert Galbraith has just released an excellent novel ‘Ink Black Heart’ which I read in the break. It’s a long read of 1000+ pages because it is so bloody complex, and dangerous. 

Final thoughts on this legacy - shout out to Andrew Little for standing down to make way for Ardern -  a forgotten hero of this journey.

However, I’m not going to look to politicians to make a difference to my world. I’m up for creating the world I want to live in amplifying authenticity and inclusiveness. Those two things make a huge difference to being an effective Citizen! 

For me, 2023 is about Citizenship!

So with that in mind, Collective Intelligence is launching an online space soon (weeks away) where our members and people from all walks of life can congregate to work together as citizens of the world to create more dynamic and creative outcomes for Aotearoa and beyond. Will keep you posted on the launch.It’s something we have dreamed about for a while - building a trust economy!

Personally I’ve been pondering… What am I personally going to step up for, in this bold year of 2023, and how will I be a ripper of a Citizen?

In no particular order:

• Learning more about and sharing the understanding of regenesis. This is a critical next step for me personally, and Collective Intelligence. It’s going to be a journey, and if anyone reading this is able to share material with me on the subject - please do.
• I’m going to try to ask for and accept help more often. I have a wonderful team around me and I need to be mindful of that and let them do amazing. 
• Last year I learned from the very smart Sasha Lockely the importance of manifestation, which she is wicked at, and so over the break I have done a lot of that. It’s been very good for my imagination and my bravery. 
• I’m going to work smarter, and focus on building partnerships to add complexity to our ecosystem so we can increase diversity to our work. It’s part of the regenesis thing.
• When I’m out of kilter (and it happens more than I would like) I’m going to imagine a seesaw, and think who/what is on the other side of the seesaw, and how do I respond to that counterweight. And respond quickly. Keith Mason has helped me with this visualisation.
• I am on a mission to understand more about Mana - it is a key focus for me because if we can become mana-enhancing of others, the world would be a better place.
• Asking good open questions is going to become more important as I work more and more in the unknown.
• Lastly - I’m going to have fun! 

I’m keen to hear what others are keen to step up for as citizens?

Keep an eye out for the online launch of our new space embracing the trust economy, peeps - and let’s go 2023.