Dear Prime Minister,

I’ve often thought about what I would say if I ever wrote you a letter. Today, the 8th of December, five days after you introduced the traffic light segregation system, I know exactly what I need to say.

This may be a surprise to you, as it has been for me, but I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing me what I am capable of in adversity. Thank you for reminding me that the core values I was bought up with are dependable.  I thank you for drawing me out of my false sense of security that I have lived in for so long.  You have shown me that if we stray from God’s path, then we will end up serving whatever false system of thought that comes along.
Thank you for strengthening my resolve, by having to deal with the bullies thrown at me by your traffic light system. I have learned a lot about what coercion and manipulation can become on a large scale from your policies.  Such policies are an interesting departure from the usual “diverse and inclusive community” your government usually touts.  I understand now from your policies that some are more equal than others, also that what people think matters little, unless such thoughts increment towards your underlying goal, such as “My body, my choice.”

Last week I watched a beautiful woman close her daycare center after 15 years. Everything she taught her children about saying no to wrong things, about bullying, was the very thing you and your ministers were now punishing her and her teachers for. She decided she would rather close her center with dignity and integrity than bow to your pressure.  She in my eyes is one of the real heroes of the day.  In contrast to your $50 million media portrayed “vaccination heroes”,  but the true heroes of the day who refuse to segregate or discriminate against ordinary New Zealanders who want to live their lives, to show each other the kiwi way and truly honor each other.

Here’s another thing I thank you for Prime Minister: your formal apology for the dawn raids you made earlier this year. Your expression to our people was this: it was a Samoan gesture of Ifoga which involved placing a fine mat over you, a powerful moment of reconciliation. The gesture was meant to correct the injustices and breaches of human rights and demonstrate remorse, seeking forgiveness and healing. I feel enlightened now that I know that it was merely another misappropriation of culture to increment towards your goal. You needed the Island Community on your side to implement your current policy of segregation against another people-group. The breach of human rights and discrimination, Prime Minster, is now directed towards those who refuse to comply with your government mandates. Might I remind you that the word ‘minister’ means servant?

Our way of life has changed dramatically now. We can’t come and go as we please. We’re divided now by the fear of, not the disease, but the fines from the government. I’m no longer taking for granted being able to go to a café with a friend. Being told to stand at the grass verge while other patrons enjoy full service privilege, even using their restroom, all because we don’t have one of your vaccine passports, which you campaign-promised would never be mandated.

Finally, I want to thank you for drawing me closer to God. You probably don’t realise this, but you single-handedly brought more people to their knees in prayer on your watch than you’ll ever know – and that’s a good thing. I am truly grateful that you reminded me who the real one source of truth is, and that is God.

Most Sincerely

Leao