The Test Of True Leadership Is What We Do
Dr Peggy Burrows JP, AMINZ Associate
Manukura/Principal at Haeata Community Campus/President Christchurch Business Club
If the events in Christchurch over the past 24 hours have taught us anything it has taught us how fragile life is. There are no words to describe how crippling such events are in the lives of those affected by such atrocity. AotearoaNew Zealand is a small country tucked away in the beautiful South Pacific. We pride ourselves on being clean and green and on being one of the safest, inclusive and caring countries on planet earth.
Yesterday, our reality was altered forever. Not by citizens of this great country, who are egalitarian in nature and compassionate by heart - but by those who infiltrate our boarders with an intention to hurt, destroy and create havoc. The solution to such atrocity is not more violence but careful, methodical strategising about the social, cultural, political and emotional way forward. The way forward can only be found in strength coupled with courage, with power coupled with humanity.
The way forward is rooted in our pioneering spirit, our Number 8 Wire philosophy and our collective determination not to let terrorist define us. All day, everyday, from this point forward AotearoaNew Zealanders must articulate the discourse of inclusion, must practice inclusion and empathy and most importantly demonstrate kindness and love.
We are all leaders in this - it is what we must cultivate in our national character and foster in our National psyche in the 21st century.
Kia Kaha, Kia toa, Kia Manawanui
Business Development Management - Land & Water Care NZ
5 年Humanity has failed in our attempts at righting the many wrongs that we have inflicted on each other. History is simply on repeat and we’re about to once again legislate Philosophy into the Civil, when actually core Morals should be taught to every human. First Love God, and equally so, Love your neighbours. But I’m afraid we’re on a slippery slope towards Humanistic Sectarianism of Do What You Feel Is Right In Your Own Eyes. What have we done? This is the unfortunate result of doing what you feel is right!!