In the wake of New Zealand’s upcoming elections on October 17, the lockdown hysteria has set even the usually stoic Kiwis into a panic mode. Are lockdowns the only answer? A crowd of thousands of party supporters packed in Auckland’s Aotea Square last weekend was proof to show how many Kiwis stood up to counter this belief, at the “National Rally for Freedom”, attended by Advance Party leaders, Jami Lee Ross and Billy Te Kahika. When the rally finished, the large group continued its peaceful protest down Auckland’s Queen Street before returning to Aotea Square.

New Zealand has found itself once again at the mercy of choosing between the only two available options National and Labour party. Both National and Labour have not come up with any alternative plans to beat this strategy except offering lockdowns. But with an ironic twist of fate, a smaller, new party comes up and gains traction because they stand for justice asking the right questions, the tough and the hard questions.

Advance Party leader Billy Te Kahika and co-leader Jamie Lee Ross acclaimed as the “conspiracy theorists” by most of the mainstream media in NZ, have a desire for change precipitated mainly by the urge, a genuine rational justification for revising the country’s economic and strategic shift; if this pandemic continues to stay. Perhaps they have been so labelled, as they were brave enough to question the government’s action on behalf of the people rather than respecting concerns of worried citizens and media.

Is it the right way forward and if not, why has it been so elusive for many Kiwi leaders? I am referring to the structural business positioning and commercial as well as larger intertwined variables that simultaneously drive the economy of our country. Further lockdowns can only prevent the realization of a colossal change in New Zealand. It is the inability to think differently rendering politicians ineffective at mobilizing the national resources that they resort to attacking the credibility of anyone that dares to challenge their narrative.

The quest for change has remained at the core of formulation of values for leaders like Billy Te Kahika. Success will enable Billy to carefully harmonize domestic and international expectations; prudently balance the country’s benign security intentions be it 5G or vaccinations and work on safety with cross-border strategies; and shift away from this current pragmatic–ambivalent style of socio-domestic politics.

Advance NZ Party co-leader Jami-Lee Ross has announced that he will no longer be contesting the Botany seat since he will focus on the party’s nationwide campaign so Billy Te Kahika can focus on winning from his constituency, and Ross is sure that Billy will win Te Tai Tokerau.

Billy Te Kahika’s New Zealand Public Party thinks the government’s pandemic response is worse than the coronavirus itself. We want to ban lockdowns, repeal the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act, and protect only vulnerable citizens.

“It’s going to come to light that the information that our government is working on is faulty, it’s wrong, it’s incorrect,” Te Kahika says.

One supporter at the weekend rally said he has never voted before but will be supporting Te Kahika in the Te Tai Tokerau electorate. He described Te Kahika as an honest guy with integrity, qualities he said most politicians do not have.

Another supporter, who also asked not to be named, is a long-time Labour supporter, but this year she is voting for Te Kahika.

“He’s here for not just one culture, but for all cultures, especially for the Te Tai Tokerau people … he is right. We do need someone for us here,” she said.

I ask this question, is lockdown the only answer or are we becoming hostage to the blind narrow narratives with little or no alternatives being offered? How long can a country stay on government provided grants and continue to pay people subsidies? What will happen after that? How will our future look like if we do not stand up and formulate a plan now? Someone does risk nemesis now, but who will that someone be? Will it be someone who is thinking long term and not being brain washed by what is being served on the platter? I will say with conviction that we must learn to live with this pandemic and fiercely be ahead of this resurgence by taking the tougher yet unknown path. With absolute practical strategic calculations, we can be the influencer in changing the end game.

-Anil Sharma is a well-known Community Leader, Educationist and a regular contributor to The Indian News for our political column.