Questions of Difference

Are New Zealanders really afflicted by a ‘tall poppy syndrome’? Do they lack in confidence? Are they indeed Australia’s poor cousin? And if so, does this mean the New Zealand culture is to blame for widening the income gap between the two countries? Phil Rennie, policy analyst with the New Zealand Policy Unit of the Centre for Independent Studies, discusses these questions. He explores the significant role cultural differences play – particularly in comparing Australia and New Zealand – including: attitudes to success, assertiveness and ambition, and financial literacy. The differences were well summarised by former Australian Treasury Secretary Ken Henry, who told a New Zealand audience in 2003 that Australia is prospering because of ‘good policies.’ When asked ‘what else?’ he replied, ‘good policies.'”