One of the real blessings of New Zealand’s political model is the level of control we have over our destiny. We don’t often appreciate it enough or take the best advantage of it. In fact, we’ll readily give away our capacity to alter course or even maintain a level of choice in pursuit of material gain, a perceived emotional state, or a combination of both.

Being a tribal critter and speaking to positive outcomes, the ability to take a path less travelled than the masses often stirs fear and potential alienation in the pit of our stomachs. Resisting the urge to return to that which is comfortable and ‘acceptable’ is not a quality to be glibly dismissed. It’s a trait at the root of entrepreneurialism, and those who can do it not only write their own stories. At a macro level, they will likely be the influencers if not leaders of tomorrow.

For most people reading this, your education and societal/vocational situation are your own doing. If you are a dependent minor reading this, then at some point in the not-so-distant future, the liberty our forebearers fought so hard to preserve will avail itself.

At that point, the next step you take, the decision you make, and the person you uplift or strike down will occur at your hand – the convergence of opportunity, responsibility, and accountability, or, as we’ve tagged it, the coming of age.

How ironic, then, in a world as tumultuous as ours, with so much change afoot, the endless choices, and influences in our decision-making processes, the burden of freedom has never weighed so heavily on so many.

What we must remember is that we live in a glass-half-full country. That’s not speaking to the inhabitants necessarily, but what our little land presents us with every morning.

Every day, we face the greatest opportunity to change our circumstances, as individuals, as a nation if we want to, all in one of the planet’s best backyards.

Matt, Margaret, and I wish you all – our staff, contributors, suppliers, and customers – the most fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Whether driving to your holiday or working through, remember that it’s you who determines what happens in the next minute of your life.

Take care everyone, and see you soon.

Dave McCoid
Editorial director