Picture this: It’s the late 1990s. New Zealand has hit its stride—buoyed by deregulation, diversification, and an economy shimmering with promise. We’re a nation of dreamers and doers, radiating confidence on the global stage. It’s our “Dancing Queen“ decade: a time when optimism wasn’t just a mood—it was a movement.
Fast-forward to today, and we’ve swapped the pulsating beat of ABBA’s anthems for the introspection of Coldplay. Our national playlist seems stuck on "Fix You," reflective and melancholic, full of yearning but light on action. We’ve lost the rhythm that once made us bold and buoyant. The question is: are we content to linger in this reflective state, or will we reclaim the dance floor? Can we be the“Dancing Queen“ once again—leading with ingenuity, purpose, and spirit?
The truth is, we’ve still got moves. New Zealand’s potential hasn’t dimmed—it’s just buried beneath layers of indecision, complacency, and a growing national tendency to avoid the hard questions. It’s time to rewrite the playlist, embrace intelligent optimism, and rediscover what makes us extraordinary.
A Troubled World, A Unique Opportunity
Yes, the world feels like it’s teetering on its axis. From climate anxiety to political uncertainty, turbulence seems to define this era. Yet, disruption is fertile ground for reinvention. As a small, resourceful nation, New Zealand is uniquely positioned to thrive amid uncertainty. The world is craving authenticity, quality, and trust—three things we have in spades. But are we leveraging them to their fullest potential?
Exports are the lifeblood of our economy, but they’re more than transactions—they’re stories. "Made in New Zealand" should mean something more than a label; it should evoke premium quality, sustainability, and innovation. This isn’t about exporting more—it’s about exporting better. It’s about being a boutique nation, selling less but commanding more.
HamiltonJet New Zealand has never left the dance floor since 1939. Becoming a global leader in waterjet propulsion in the marine industry.
Consider Denmark, which transformed its agricultural sector into a paragon of high-quality, sustainable production. Or Estonia, which turned digital governance into a national strength. Even Italy, with its wine and luxury goods, proves that a small nation with a strong identity can punch well above its weight. These examples remind us that smallness isn’t a limitation—it’s an advantage if we choose to wield it wisely.
Changing the National Mindset
Right now, economists are busy gazing into their crystal balls, offering predictions as vague as horoscopes. And politicians? They seem trapped in endless cycles of reviews, debates, and postponed decisions. But let’s be honest—crystal balls don’t solve problems. Courage does. Leadership does.
Changing a nation’s mindset isn’t just about policies; it’s about people. It’s about boldness, self-awareness, and a willingness to step out of comfort zones. Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore famously said, “I always tried to be correct, not politically correct.” New Zealand could take a page from that book.
Yes, we’re a democracy, not an autocracy. But even democracies need streamlined governance. With 32 ministries, 2,700 crown entities, and 80 statutory bodies, New Zealand’s bureaucracy is like a hydra—too many heads and not enough focus. Compare that to Singapore’s 16 ministries and lean efficiency. Their results speak for themselves.
Getting Back on the Dance Floor
So how do we shift from introspection to action? From Coldplay back to ABBA? Here are some ideas:
1. Reposition New Zealand as a Premium Offering
Shift from selling commodities to commanding premiums. Whether it’s a humble bag of milk powder or a cutting-edge tech innovation, we need to own our story and deliver exceptional value.
2. Streamline Bureaucracy
Simplify, consolidate, and embrace digital solutions. Estonia’s e-governance model shows how agility and clarity can transform national systems.
3. Invest in Innovation and Productivity
Prioritize R&D, workforce training, and technological adoption. Focus on picking winners and scaling success stories, not clinging to underperformers.
4. Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Fuse our rich multicultural tapestry into our products and services. Let’s create uniquely “Euronesian” offerings that blend tradition with innovation.
5. Bridge Political Divides
Agree on a shared route map. Cross-party collaboration and a clear vision are essential to navigate complex challenges.
6. Reimagine Healthcare
Think of our health system as an orchestra. Right now, it’s more cacophony than symphony. Reduce management layers, empower clinicians, and centre care around the patient.
7. Create a More Connected Education System
Align education with industry needs. Switzerland’s vocational system offers a model for seamless transitions from classroom to career.
8. Define a Bold National Vision
What kind of nation do we want to be? Sustainability, innovation, and cultural exports could anchor our shared future. But we need a clear "why"—a unifying purpose that resonates with all Kiwis.
Without Behaviour Change, Nothing Happens
At the heart of all this is behaviour change. We need:
• Clarity: Fresh thinking in boardrooms and beyond.
• Discomfort: The courage to confront hard truths and challenge nostalgia.
• Resilience: A return to the adventurous, tenacious spirit that once defined us.
• Support: Environments that foster collaboration and collective action.
Renewal Starts with Vision
It’s not enough to lament what we’ve lost; we must imagine what we can become. Let’s tell our story with pride, invest in our people, and embrace discomfort as the price of progress. As you dig your toes into the warm sands of summer and watch the waves roll in, remember: this is the same sand where Waka once landed, carrying dreams of a better world.
And we all found one.
As ABBA’s lyrics remind us:
"Oh, don’t let your demons pull you down, 'cause you can have it all, you can have it all."
It’s time to get New Zealand back on the dance floor.
Let’s create our Progressive Euronesia.
