Democracy HQ A personal view, by Steve Morris

It's hard not to notice the growing division and arguments that seem to be permeating our society. It's a worrying trend that I'm deeply concerned about.
At the heart of this division is the rise of woke identity politics on our shores. This idea originated in American academia and goes against our Kiwi values of giving everyone a fair go, regardless of their background.
Founding principle
Even worse, it undermines our founding principle that we may come from different tribes and lands, but we are all one people – we are all New Zealanders.
Take a moment to think about the last news story or opinion piece you read. Did it promote division, resentment, and hatred by categorising people based on characteristics they can't change?
Such as race or gender? If so, it's likely an example of identity politics in action.
Identity politics divides people into oppressed and oppressor groups, encouraging them to see society through the lens of victimhood – often without experiencing victimisation themselves. It teaches people to hate their ancestors, their gender, and their country, and it fosters a culture of blame rather than personal responsibility.
Discrimination
We cannot build a better future if we are divided against ourselves.
Attempts to give any particular group an advantage or disadvantage based on ancestry, gender, or identity are not the solution.
Discrimination cannot be solved by more discrimination. True equality means everyone is equal before the law, regardless of any characteristic.