When my wife and I got married, we moved to Tauranga for a few years. Living in Welcome Bay, I would often drop my wife off to work and then head into the city to study. If I timed the drive correctly, I could get into the city in 30 minutes, however, if I timed it wrong the wait times could be up to 45 minutes to get where I wanted to go. It is frustrating waiting in traffic slowly creeping forward, knowing that your destination is only a few kilometres up the road.
Samuel Pullenger
Living in Te Awamutu now, if I leave at the right time in the morning, I can get to work in under three minutes. And yet, when I find that I have to sit at an intersection for more than 30 seconds, it feels like I am “stuck in traffic”. Perspective is a wonderful thing. Although it is easy to get some perspective on what “stuck in traffic” means, it is not always as easy to get perspective on what is best for our community.
As the people of Te Awamutu we, currently, have the opportunity to think about how our council functions as they have opened up a Representation Review for us to speak into. Representation is an interesting word, because for much of history the idea of representation meant those in power. Only the perspectives of those who held power deserved representation. However, as society has moved on, we now recognise, in democratic countries, that representation means it is important to hear the perspectives of all peoples who have a stake in what is happening. Why are we looking for representation from all peoples though?
Our hyper-individualistic culture, characterised by the introduction of the word “selfie” into the dictionary, drives us to think only of ourselves and what I need or want.
A society does not, cannot, flourish in a culture that drives us towards selfishness. Societies are enabled to flourish by their ability to seek the best for all peoples. The first church, started by Jesus’ followers, has become well known for their care for others. An often-cited statement about them is, “They sold their property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Although, in terms of wealth management, this is not a very wise choice, profound generosity of ordinary people is what enabled this first Christian society to flourish.
At the moment we are also being consulted over Waipa’s alcohol policy and bylaws. Again, this consultation is important in the context of asking, what is best for all people?
When I look at these two projects I look from the perspective of an urban, married, young adult who has not, personally, dealt with the effects of excessive drinking in my own life. My perspective is, then, not going to be the same as someone who lives rurally or as someone whose family has been profoundly affected by alcohol abuse. As we respond to these two projects, it is important that we recognise that the best for all people is not always the best for me.
The more we can open ourselves up to diversity of perspective, the more our town will be able to come together to discern which is the best direction.
Te Awamutu main street
