One of the biggest challenges facing us in the 21st century is significant demographic change.

We have an ageing population with people living much longer and with fewer children being born. This is resulting in a growing use of immigration to provide the economic activity to fund core public services like health, education and justice.

Meanwhile growing income inequality is contributing to worse rates of preventable illness as health funding is diverted away from public health interventions that actually keep people healthy.

It's time we take a much longer term view to the social and economic challenges our country will face. Much longer than the 3 year election cycle.

To talk about this further, I bring you the economist Shamubeel Eaqub 

For New Zealand and our people to find success, we need to be realistic, but hopeful to get through tough times. Whether we like it or not, New Zealand will undergo significant change. And with that, we must be truthful and open about the risks associated with this change.

What is at stake here is social cohesion. 

If we continue to become more divided, we risk losing the prosperity, freedom and progress that has been hard fought for by generations that came before us.

But, if we can find a sense of common ground, collective identity and a shared vision and set of values, maybe, just maybe, we will change that trajectory to a better future for all to thrive.

While you listen to this episode I want you to really ask yourself, what does it mean to be a New Zealander? Send us an email, DM or a voice note on our social media to let me know what you think.