GO SOUTH YOUNG MAN

There's a bit of debate going on about rich Americans bolting down to Godzone to escape the Trump presidency and or the ensuing apocalypse.

On the one hand you can see why some New Zillinders are a bit miffed at this particularly when billionaires like Peter Thiel are able to bypass the usual regulations and are granted citizenship at a time in history when millions of displaced people in the Middle East and Europe are seeking the same but are denied such luxury.

On the other hand we, as a country at the far-flung edge of the world, need wealth, investment, entrepreneurial ideas and the means of creating wealth (which leads to employment, infrastructure and social services).

I can see both sides but must park my socialist leanings here and ask what's best for the country and the average New Zillander. My belief is that isolationism isn't in our interest given that we have an export driven economy and that we need to encourage people to come here with drive, energy, ideas, connections and especially money. If all they bring is money then well and good. At least they will have to spend some of it.

 I would have thought a bit differently 30 or more years ago when we were a more egalitarian society but today, I don't care if the 'toff' dining in fancy Auckland restaurants, buying up prime New Zealand real estate or holidaying in fancy-schmancy resorts is a rich American or one of those thieving robber-baron so-called true blue Kiwi.

Come on down I say.