BRYCE EDWARDS’ Political Roundup: New Zealand’s social cohesion is being torn apart

Dr Bryce Edwards writes – 

New Zealand is becoming a less socially cohesive country. And the driver of this division is worsening inequality. That’s the view of most New Zealanders according to a survey conducted for the New Zealand Herald. It shows that inequalities of wealth and housing access are tearing the country apart.
 
The survey of 1000 people run by research company Dynata in late November showed that 64 per cent of the public thought that New Zealand society is becoming more divided. Only 16 per cent thought NZ has become more united in the last few years.
 
This survey backs up an earlier one carried out in January by Curia Research in which a large majority of 72 per cent said that we are more divided, with only 10 per cent believing we are less divided.
 
The cause of disunity: inequality
 
It is the unequal distribution of wealth that most New Zealanders believe is at the heart of this decline. According to the Herald’s survey, 74 per cent believe that wealth inequality is pushing us apart. In addition, when asked if “Our distribution of wealth is fair and good for the country”, 46 per cent disagreed and only 24 per cent agreed.

A new school for Levin (for Horowhenua Māori pupils) in three years and a new school for Melville (maybe) in several years

Two new schools, an update on the fast-track consenting process and more advice on getting our Covid shots were the subjects of Beehive announcements since Point of Order last reported on what Ardern and her ministers are up to.

One of the new schools was described as a new wharekura for years 1 to 13 which

“… will extend Horowhenua Māori medium education into Levin.”

Horowhenua Māori medium education?  This suggests the education provided by wharekura differs from region to region.

It also suggests this extension of Horowhenua Maori medium education is being extended from elsewhere in Horowhenua, although Levin is the biggest town in the region.

Whether the press statement was intended for an English-speaking audience or a te reo-speaking one is unclear.  It incorporates elements of both languages, which means it will be understood by bilingual readers but others will have to reach for a translation service.