Here we are in 2026, staring down the barrel of another election in November this year. Over summer we’ve seen horrendous damage, death and suffering from vicious storms that are only intensifying as climate change squeezes us ever tighter in its grip. It’s ironic (and disgraceful), therefore, that our current government has not only weakened or cancelled our already paltry commitments to climate change initiatives and is hurriedly backing away from any redress or support as insurance companies begin to refuse to cover some households in regions considered ‘at risk’, but are also beating the drum for more mining and less environmental protections, greasing up to the most dangerous president in US history.
While I have to admit there’s a certain fascination in watching US democracy implode in real time, fast-sliding towards fascism, it’s also chilling, especially when we see current NZ politicians stealing their tactics and talking points, stoking culture wars to up their vote. It’s easy to feel as if we’re powerless – I often do – but, given it’s election year, I’ve decided to do the only thing I can (besides voting – please, everyone, you MUST vote!), using my voice in the hope of spurring others to speak up and reject this toxic amoral government.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting inspiring stories from my book ‘Protest! Shaping Aotearoa’, stories that show peaceful citizen-led action can indeed make significant change for good. Here’s my introductory video, with more to follow in the weeks ahead. Please feel free to share it, or to take your own action. It’s imperative we vote this lot out before it is too late.
Mandy Hager 