6
DECEMBER 2024
ADVERTORIAL
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
It really is the silly season
Why the USA election has generated interest in New Zealand?
T
he recent re-election of Donald Trump has many Americans concerned about the changes they can expect following his inauguration in January. Trump signalled during his campaign that he would instigate a number of significant and wide-ranging changes including – the mass deportation of immigrants; sweeping import tariffs; broad changes to the federal health system; dismantling of the education department and ideological interventions in schools; further politicisation of the public service; the cessation or rolling back of policies and regulations on climate change, gun control, women’s rights and transgender rights. It remains to be seen how many of these changes will be instigated, and to what extent and how quickly. However, it is understandable that many Americans are now thinking seriously about their future, with Google searches for “moving to New Zealand” increasing by 2,000% immediately following the election outcome. There are several reasons for New Zealand being a “country of interest”. Trump’s authoritarian interpretation of executive power will continue in his second term. He is also promising to increase political appointments by 50,000, further transforming a merit-based public service to one based on allegiance. New Zealand, in contrast, is a parliamentary democracy with an electoral system based on mixed-member proportional representation. There is an effective set of checks and balances, and a functional separation of powers, whereby the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive are independent. Trump’s education agenda appears to involve abolishing the Department of Education, scrapping funding for low-income schools, and eliminating diversity and inclusion initiatives, and protections for LGBTQ students would be rolled back. While New Zealand has a national curriculum for primary and
secondary students, and student loans for tertiary education are interest-free (with few exceptions). As a general rule, New Zealand has an “inclusive” education system with opportunities for all students no matter their background. Healthcare is another area targeted for change under the Trump administration and changes to the Affordable Care Act could alter the accessibility and affordability of health insurance. Healthcare is heavily subsidised by the New Zealand Government. Citizens, residents, and those holding long term work visas have free access to public healthcare services, or at a low cost. New Zealand also has a unique Government sponsored accident compensation scheme (ACC) which provides no-fault personal injury insurance cover for anyone in New Zealand (irrespective of their visa status). This system significantly reduces the risk of costly malpractice lawsuits (eg: for doctors) and malpractice insurance costs are significantly lower because of the ACC system and the reduced risk of litigation. It is uncertain whether the new regime will seek a federal ban on abortion, but access to the procedure will not improve in states that have already restricted it. Abortion was decriminalised in New Zealand in 2020, and a qualified health practitioner can provide abortion services up to 20 weeks of pregnancy without needing clinical evidence of appropriateness. Gun control (or lack of) is also a matter of great concern to many Americans. New Zealand has tight regulations around firearms with automatic weapons and assault rifles banned and all gun ownership needing to be registered. These are just some of the issues that could now be concerning many Americans, and which can potentially make relocation to New Zealand an attractive option. These issues relate more to protecting individual freedoms and the rule of law, and a fairer, democratic society, and New Zealand can certainly deliver on these outcomes – making the move an attractive economic outcome is not so easy!
By SENGA ALLEN
Christmas is a time to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the festive season, but for some New Zealand workplaces, it can also bring its fair share of challenges. With Christmas parties, tight deadlines, and holiday excitement in the air, there’s a risk of things getting a little out of hand. One big issue during this time is alcohol. Christmas parties often can come with an open bar or a few rounds of drinks, which can lead to lowered inhibitions and poor judgment. This can result in inappropriate jokes, harassment, or even heated arguments. Nobody wants their festive event to turn into a regretful Monday morning. To keep things under control, it’s a good idea for employers to set some boundaries, offer non-alcoholic drink options, arrange sober driving or uber services and remember you may even have policy in your handbook about alcohol use, so it always pays to read up on that at this time of the year! Another common problem is absenteeism. With summer holidays on the horizon, some employees might try to stretch their time off or call in sick after a big night out. While it’s fair to enjoy the festive vibes, unexpected absences can throw a spanner in the works for teammates trying to keep things running smoothly. Having a clear plan for holiday
leave and workload management can help avoid last-minute stress. Let’s not forget the end-of-year crunch. Deadlines and targets can create tension, especially with everyone juggling work, family, and holiday prep. Add in a little Christmas stress, and you might see tempers flare. Encouraging open communication and reminding people to take a breather can go a long way. You’d be surprised how many extra calls our people and cultures specialists get at this time of the year when bad behaviour seems to be the norm! This time of the year can be really hard difficult for a lot of people so remember those check ins with your team members. A quick wellbeing check in can be really helpful! The key to a drama-free season at work is preparation. Whether it’s having clear policies on what is and isn’t acceptable, organising thoughtful events, or simply being mindful of your team’s well-being, small steps can prevent big problems. By keeping things respectful and relaxed, everyone can enjoy a safe and cheerful holiday season at work. Kia kaha and Meri Kirihimete everyone! Senga Allen is Managing Director for Everest
Briefs Partner awards
Hamilton-based Singh and Associates took out the award for Accounting Practice of the Year, while JK Business Systems – also based in Hamilton and serving the Waikato region – won Bookkeeping Practice of the Year at the MYOB partner awards last month. The business management platform’s awards honour the commitment and dedication of local accountants, bookkeepers and education providers and recognises the critical role they play in the success of New Zealand’s small and medium enterprises.
University associate
Pinnacle clinical director Jo Scott-Jones has been appointed an Honorary Associate Professor in the Division of Health at the University of Waikato for the leadership he has shown in rural health. The appointment was announced last month. He becomes the second Pinnacle health professional to be honoured after nursing director Jan Adams was appointed two years ago for her work to set up the Bachelor of Nursing programme.
Rural winner
Catherine Ward of Pahi Coastal Walk, located on the Coromandel Peninsula, has taken out the Supreme Award at the NZI Rural Women
New Zealand Business Awards in Wellington. She developed the three-day two-night Pahi Coastal Walk which is an excellent example of the innovation and entrepreneurism of rural enterprises and their positive impact on rural communities.
Te Reo courses
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has launched two innovative programmes aimed at preserving and revitalising te reo Māori and nurturing cultural heritage: Te Tohu Reo Rumaki and Te Tohu Tiaki Taonga. Both programmes will be available from early 2025, offering new pathways for learners to deepen their understanding of te ao Māori and contribute to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and cultural guardianship.
Health memorandum
Waikato University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three Waikato-based primary health organisations as a step forward in their collective effort to tackle New Zealand’s health workforce shortages. The agreement is set to drive collaboration in health education between the university, Pinnacle Incorporated, Hauraki and National Hauora Coalition, drawing on each party’s expertise in teaching, research and innovation in primary care.
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Our offices will close for for thetheChristmas Our offices will close Christmas break on Friday 20 December 2024 and will open break on Friday 20 December 2024 and6will open on2025 Monday 6 January on Monday January with a skeleton staff. 2025 with a skeleton staff.
Full staff will return Monday 13 January 2025. Full staff will return
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13 January 2025. a Merry Christmas The team at Lewis Monday Lawyers wish you and The a happy and safe New Year. team at Lewis Lawyers
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