I’ll be honest, this series hasn’t been very upbeat to date.

Firstly, we looked at Lebanon and the impact of the explosion in Beirut on the nation.

Then, we talked about Brazil and the devastating impact of their lack of leadership, leading to extreme loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, today, I thought I would talk about arguably the best country in the world right now. That is New Zealand.

New Zealand’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has been the best in the world with only 1800 cases and 25 deaths in their population of 4.8 million. The World Health Organisation has even used New Zealand as an example of a country which has effectively communicated the pandemic to each community.

New Zealand, led by Jacinda Ardern, took an early and strict approach to combat COVID-19 as soon as the risk of transmission was witnessed around the world. The government implemented a stringent countrywide lockdown on March 26th and in early May, the virus was largely eradicated from New Zealand. Although another outbreak occurred, another round of strict lockdown stamped out the virus once again. Now, the government has allowed unrestricted gathering and no requirements for social distancing or masks.

Here is an image of the crowds at last weekend’s Bledisloe Cup game between New Zealand and Australia. Their life is now back to normal.

New Zealand’s courageous and effective approach to overcoming COVID-19 is set to have many long-term benefits. The nation is now giving business leaders confidence to invest, and New Zealand ranked strongly for political stability, the economic recovery, virus control and social resilience in Bloomberg’s market crisis management index. New Zealand is now the first choice for international investments, and that is huge for a small country.

There are many things that we can learn from New Zealand, but the primary conductor of the nation’s efforts was Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Her empathetic leadership and effective communication to the public enabled a sense of community and teamwork among New Zealanders as they overcame the virus. This was assisted by rapid, science-based risk assessment linked to early, decisive government action.

New Zealand suffered immensely during the opening months of the virus, but now their lives are back to normal, and their economy is open. I hope their approach can be an encouragement to other world leaders that it is possible to overcome the virus if they are courageous and decisive in their decision-making.

Congratulations New Zealand. We are jealous of your success, but you deserve it. 

14 thoughts on “What’s Happening in New Zealand?”

  1. I wrote about Jacinda Ardern and other women leaders who were among the most effective in handling the pandemic. The reasons were just as you said: she acted promptly and decisively, leveled with her populace, and was empathetic and encouraging.

    I’m hoping our elections in a few weeks will bring us such a leader!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. She is a very courageous leader and I hope she get’s re-elected in New Zealand’s upcoming election!

      Yes, I hope so to! I think Joe Biden can be that person, but I’m not sure if he will be elected.

      Australia’s Prime Minister is laying low at the moment. Not speaking much and staying out of the drama.

      Like

      Reply

      1. I believe Joe Biden is just such a leader—and if the will of the electorate—which is turning out in record numbers—is not thwarted by illegal acts—he will indeed be elected. We are holding our breaths!

        I wish trump would try lying low and being quiet—it would be such a relief and would likely save lives.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That’s good to hear. I think Biden has a lot of good things to offer to America and the world. I question his ability to do that consistently but we’ll have to wait and see!

        Yes, I think Trump creates more stress, panic and uncertainty than any world leader I have seen in recent times.

        Like

  2. So wonderful to read about a country that got it right! The government did what it needed to, and the people had enough common sense and respect to follow the rules. I need to consider moving to New Zealand!!! Hope you are well, Simeon! Sorry I haven’t been around lately … just overwhelmed with what is happening here in the U.S.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s great to hear from you Jill! Yes, I think many people will be wanting to move to New Zealand ASAP! They certainly have done an admirable job with controlling a virus which is now starting an unbelievable second wave in Europe. It is scary to see.

      That is very understandable! It’s certainly been a chaotic year in America. What are your hopes leading into the last 2 months of the year?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Their example proves it CAN be done, if people and government work together! It’s starting its second wave here, as well, and far too many people are fools, refusing to take precautions, attending huge rallies, not wearing a mask, etc.

        My hopes for the last two months of the year? That Trump won’t drive this train over a cliff before he leaves office. As he sees that he is losing ground in the polls, largely due to his bungling of the pandemic, he becomes increasingly irrational, calling on white supremacist groups to ‘stand by’, making racist speeches, supporting conspiracy theories, and hinting that he will not accept the results of the election if he loses.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, it definitely can be done. I still think a vaccine is further away than we all would like so we need to continue social distancing and have some form of restrictions. Watching the crowds of un-masked people at Trump’s rally is really a frightening sight. It has become a culture of not wearing a mask.

        I hope it all ends in as peaceful a manner as possible. Thinking of you and everyone in America during this incredibly unknown and unstable period.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I think that any vaccine that has been properly tested is further away than we might like. Some will try to roll out one, I suspect, without proper testing, which could lead to even bigger problems than we already have. People here are stupid when it comes to masks, or their favourite bar being closed … they think it is their right to put others at risk, apparently. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

        Thanks, Simeon … I appreciate it!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Totally agreed with your “best country in the world”. We love New Zealand. We have written posts on many of the great cities in both the North and South Island including, Queenstown, Mount Cook, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Rotorua (beautiful but STTTINKKKY LOL ) Abel Tasman (just posted today) and so much more! We prefer the wild and more untouched areas of NZ.=)

    We have also trekked the Himalayas (summited Mount Everest Base Camp) which was a tie for being one of the most amazing places on Earth. Have you been to Nepal ever?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Wow! That’s incredible!

      No, unfortunately I’ve never been to Nepal but I’d love to go! One of my good friends in Australia is an international student from Nepal so I hope to go and visit him someday!

      What’s been your favourite country in the world to visit?

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment