Many people believe New Zealanders' open, accepting, "she'll be right'' attitude is among our biggest strengths. People view us as trustworthy, and we like to think the best of others, too.
These are among our greatest assets in our dealings on the world stage, whether it be maintaining existing cultural, diplomatic and economic ties with other nations or developing new strategic ones, metaphorically flying the Kiwi flag on foreign soil, or welcoming immigrants and entrepreneurs to our shores. Those characteristics contribute to making New Zealand the new dream land. Who wouldn't want to live or do business here?
But are we too trusting? Naive in our dealings? Could our best characteristics be used against us by our "friends''? And are we guilty of being too casual when a professional approach is called for? Given recent revelations in several areas, it would appear so.
Recent allegations by New Zealand steel manufacturers that China has been accused of dumping surplus steel here are serious, if true. There have been similar claims made by other jurisdictions.
If dumping were occurring, it would contravene our free-trade agreement with China. And the ramifications would be significant. A glut of cheap steel would threaten our industry's viability.
It would inevitably raise questions around quality, too. That is worrying given earlier revelations sub-standard Chinese steel was making its way on to the New Zealand market and into some major construction projects - thanks to dodgy certification there and lax checks here (further examples of our casual attitude).
New Zealand does not want to get offside with our important new friend and trading partner. But neither should we bow to China's pressure (possible tariff retaliation if we investigate the matter further) with our traditional "she'll be right'' mantra.
If money, jobs and the safety of New Zealanders are at stake, the Government has a duty to investigate.
But the Government's attitude to the issue has been concerning. There were initial reassurances from Prime Minister John Key and Trade Minister Todd McClay that there was no issue at all, then several turnarounds, and it is now clear Mr McClay was briefed about the issue and the ministry has been addressing it.
Mr McClay has apologised to the PM, but there has been no personal repercussion. This increasingly appears to be the modus operandi of the Government: deny all knowledge until backed into a corner and then downplay the issue. She'll be right, right?
Wrong. Our lackadaisical attitude has already cost us. The Government initially denied New Zealand was a tax haven, despite evidence to the contrary in the Panama Papers.
The subsequent domestic and international furore led to an investigation, turnaround, and tightening up of our tax rules around foreign trusts. That was vital to safeguard the country's reputation - notably our values of openness and transparency - but should have been done earlier, as had been recommended.
Some of our systems appear flawed, too. As well as questions over the checks and balances regarding the use of the imported steel, recent revelations of driver licensing scams have raised safety fears.
In one scam, fake truck licences from India were being converted to New Zealand licences. Pressure is on from all quarters: from tourists to open up the back country, from freedom campers, from offshore investors and speculators in the residential property market.
Our trusting, open-arms attitude is coming at a cost to ourselves. New Zealand must wake up, grow up and be more shrewd in its dealings. While many countries and individuals appreciate our values, they do not necessarily share them.
Rather, in some places, graft and corruption are rife and New Zealand is seen as an "easy target''. It is all very well putting up the welcome sign to allcomers, but we must not be a total sellout in the process.
