The leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand and the United States of America have radically different styles and perspectives. I’m quite confident that a majority of Kiwis hold similar values to those expressed by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Can the same be said of Americans regarding the values expressed by Donald Trump?
Below is a clip taken from parts of the UN speeches of the two leaders. For those who find the Kiwi Accent difficult, I have included a transcription below the video clip.
JA: If I could distill it down into one concept that we are pursuing in New Zealand, it is simple and it is this: kindness.
DT: America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism.
JA: In the face of isolationism, protectionism, racism, the simple concept of looking outwardly and beyond ourselves, of kindness and collectivism might just be as good a starting point as any. So let’s start here with the institutions that have served us well in times of need and will do so again.
DT: We withdrew from the human rights council and we will not return until real reform is enacted. For similar reasons, the United States will provide no support and recognition to the International Criminal Court. As far as America is concerned, the ICC has no jurisdiction, no legitimacy and no authority.
JA: New Zealand remains committed to continue to do our part to building and sustaining international peace and security, to promoting and defending an open, inclusive and rules-based international order based on universal values, to being pragmatic, empathetic, strong and kind.
DT: The United States is the world’s largest giver in the world, by far, of foreign aid but few give anything to us.
JA: Tēnā koutou. Tēnā koutou. Tēnā koutou katoa.
[Salutations to you all.]
DT: Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the nations of the world. Thank you very much.
Another Spectrum 