Yesterday I opened with the ongoing problems with Auckland’s motorway system. And I got a grumpy text after it asking for more positivity in a holiday programme, instead of gripes. 

That said, I’ve also received quite a few messages saying I’m presenting a positive programme. 

And I reflected on that when reading Simon Bridges’ article on his hopes for 2026, which was published online yesterday afternoon. 

He said the problem for an advocacy group like the Chamber of Commerce is maintaining an optimistic tone, but at the same time you have to outline the problems that are standing in our way. 

He says it’s a balancing act, and I’d agree. Sometimes I talk about the bad stuff because I want to find an answer so we can get rid of it. I also need to report it so we know exactly where we stand. 

There’s is no benefit in giving a view through rose coloured glasses, because that’s basically being biased. But nor should I report on everything like I have a lemon in my mouth. 

So for the guy who called me negative I’d say this: 

I believe New Zealand is on the brink of pulling itself out of its funk. It won’t be like we have seen before. It won’t be because house prices are starting to rise, thereby opening our wallets. It will real, but limited, growth. And that means jobs. 

I believe that the conclusion of big projects will enliven us. The CRL, the International Convention Centre, the One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, the new Waikato Regional Theatre in Hamilton, and a host of other projects that have dragged on will suddenly open new doors and our eyes to possibility. 

I believe that a number of companies who have done the hard yards through the pandemic and recession and restructured themselves are well placed to take off this year. Again, that will mean jobs. 

And I hope that a sense of bi-partisan consensus is about to break out and take the conversation into how we can make it better for the majority, instead of pandering to a noisy minority. 

I’m pretty positive. Always have been.