Reflection and Anticipation

As we put behind us probably the most difficult year in the industry in the last decade we take the opportunity to contemplate what can only be better times ahead. Looking back over the last few years (and more) we have seen a number of changes, not only in the commercial real estate sector, but in the community generally. Some changes have subtly crept up on us - others have been thrust upon us.
 
One of the most pervasive changes that almost goes un-noticed is the gradual move away from self reliance and personal resilience. What has crept up on us over the years is an unwritten expectation that one does not need to plan and budget for the future and what the future may bring. It used to be, in my memory at least, that we would each plan our own destiny. We would each rely on our own skills and resources  and forethought to both plot a course and plan for the future.

And then the community would be there to support and assist those who were unable for whatever reason to look after themselves. Over time that philosophy of self reliance has morphed into a belief and expectation that whenever we are met with some form of misfortune, we can lay the blame on “someone else” and the associated expectation that “someone else” will foot the bill.

These pervasive attitudes have permeated from all sides of the community – from businesses expecting free rent from landlords during the pandemic, to uninsured householders expecting payouts from the taxpayer after the floods. We would all like “someone else” to foot the bill. But there is a real difference between “like” and “expect”.
 
We can only hope that with leadership from a more fiscally responsible government, there will be changes in attitude in the community towards less reliance on the state, and more on the individual. There will however always be a place for community assistance.
 
Expedio has been pleased to support community initiatives for some time through our charitable foundation – the primary emphasis being on health and education. Amongst the support we have provided recently includes funding towards a nature conservancy trust in Northland, ongoing support for Duffy Books in Schools, funding towards a kids bike trail in Taupo and funding towards a bridge to span the Shotover River for the Queenstown Trails Trust.

Encouragement for planning and self reliance is important. And a vital part of that is providing practical assistance to those who want to turn their lives around. One of the projects we see as emphasising the concept of “a hand up, not a handout” is support for the Momentum Charitable Trust, which works with people in prison and on probation who want to make a change in their lives - https://momentum.org.nz/   
We hope that in some small way the assistance we give to these various projects helps to make our community a better place.