The New Zealand way

Sometimes, we don’t see ourselves until we look through the eyes of others.

Over the last 18 months, Aotearoa has received unprecedented attention on the world stage, and this attention has never been more pronounced than during lockdown. Over the last two months, we’ve rocketed to prominence with one of the most effective COVID-19 responses in the world.

What makes New Zealand so special?

It’s about a lot more than our current prime minister. Political leadership is as much a symptom of our society and culture as it is a driver. What kind of place does it take to elect a progressive, compassionate, decisive leader? One where those values already exist.

In Episode 1 of Strategy International, bestselling author Dr Max McKeown offered an outside perspective on New Zealand’s brand. Our international reputation has shifted from being 'nice people with a good rugby team' to that of a brave, united country with enviable leadership.

“The leaders who have gained the respect and attention of their people, and who have succeeded in dulling the impact of the disease, share certain traits and approaches to leadership worth noting as this pandemic roars on — and for future crises as well. A willingness to take quick and bold action, even when it carries political risk, is among the most important hallmarks of leadership in a crisis.”

- NYTimes

This bravery is a high-profile example of how we make decisions when we're at our best. We have a proud leadership history. On issues such as the suffrage movement, nuclear energy, religious tolerance, and human rights, we’ve been small but brave.

We take action, involve others, and act on principle. We’re early adopters and quick to adopt new technology—from electronic payments in the 1980s to first-go features from Google and Facebook in the 2010s.

Incredible companies like Air NZ, Icebreaker and Weta attract regular international attention for their game-changing approach to business and innovation.

We have a special culture. Keen travellers and well-connected to the world, our dependence on international business and the integration of Te Ao Maori has laid the foundation for a special kind of local-global diversity.

Our focus is on relationships and partnerships, the value we place on knowledge, and a knack for innovation – Kiwi ingenuity! - has us pulling ahead in a world more in need of strong change leadership than ever.

While others see this, it can be hard to appreciate what’s special about your normal, especially when your normal has a strong dose of humility—something we’ve always been proud of.

I reckon it’s time to step into our identity proudly. It's time to take our place as the leader of leaders, move away from our self-limiting ideas, and make our contribution on the world stage. We need to reposition our businesses and economies away from raw materials and primary production and towards innovation and thought leadership.

What do you think?

What does the “New Zealand way” mean to you?

How do we build on our position as the leader of leaders?