As election uncertainty settles, Aotearoa must take chance to unify climate vision - councillor

By Sophie Handford*

Opinion - The morning following an election often ushers in a whirlwind of emotions. For some, it's a day of jubilation and relief, while for others, it's one marked by disappointment and concern. This morning, I've taken a moment to put myself in the shoes of those who have yet to be born, contemplating the legacy we will leave them through the choices we've made at the ballot box.

As we confront the very likely possibility of setbacks in areas as crucial as climate action, it's only natural to feel a sense of hopelessness. We may worry about the challenges our tamariki will face, navigating through the repercussions of government actions, or perhaps more distressingly, government inaction. The window of time for transformational emissions reductions is closing thus we cannot afford to remain in a state of defeat for long.

I must confess that the results from last night have left my head rather scrambled but what I see now is a genuine opportunity for us to reflect, organise, and, most importantly, unify our vision for an Aotearoa in which all people and the environment thrive. It's a chance to catalyse more collaboration among the left-leaning political bloc, Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori, inspiring our entire support base to dream about what's possible for Aotearoa and embody their part in bringing this to life at a grassroots level. There's so many incredible people, initiatives and organisations achieving massive gains for people and planet locally - all power! The question we must address is not merely about a momentary choice every three years; it's about sustaining a movement for the betterment of Aotearoa - being in it for each other, for those who need us most.

This is our next mission, and it will require energy and resilience. For now, let's embrace our loved ones, hold our little ones close, celebrate the small acts of kindness and activism, and be gentle and compassionate with ourselves and each other. There's a sense of disbelief lingering in the air for many.

As we wake up to the confirmation of a right-wing government, our focus must shift towards broadening our base, strengthening our unity, and amplifying our demands. We are not just an opposition; we are a movement fuelled by compassion for future generations.

This next phase is pivotal because it's during challenging times that our true character and dedication to the kaupapa become evident. My hope is that the results of this election only strengthen the resolve of those not sure about joining this movement. There's so much at stake. This has to be the defining decade of climate action.

A right-wing government doesn't dictate the course of our nation; it simply sets the stage for ongoing dialogue, advocacy, and action. We are not alone in our pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future. Many like-minded New Zealanders are tirelessly working towards the same goals. It's time to unite, support one another, and consolidate our efforts. Our strength as a movement lies in our capacity to come together, learn from the past, and adapt our strategies to the evolving political climate and societal pulse. We have people power.

Now, more than ever, this is absolutely crucial. The actions we take, or fail to take, over the coming decade will shape the livability of Aotearoa New Zealand. We deserve effective leadership on the issues that truly matter: the climate crisis, child poverty, and housing affordability. We must demand better and show what genuine heart-driven leadership looks like. This is our moment to shine, once we've had the opportunity to rest and reflect.

*Sophie Handford is the founder of School Strike 4 Climate NZ, and went on to be elected onto the Kāpiti Coast District Council. She now chairs their Strategy, Operations and Finance Committee. She has volunteered for the Labour and Green parties this election campaign.