Kiwis urged to keep country 'human'

Daniel Bond asks that New Zealanders, in the face of world events, stay moderate and understanding.

I am a New Zealander who has spent many years away working in many different places.

On my sporadic and enjoyable returns to the country, I have always been impressed with how ''human'' a place New Zealand is.

We have our problems, but the way we pull together is something that has always been enviable to others.

We don't suffer fools gladly, but it is in our nature to give everyone a chance.

In light of recent events and the confusion and anger surrounding the globe more generally, I urge you not to lose these characteristics.

Please don't give in to the ease of hatred and extreme thought.

Stay moderate and understanding, bring nuance and discussion, encourage others to do the same.

I live in Saudi Arabia, teach Muslim students and work and live with Muslim and Western colleagues from many different places.

For all the concern in the West about how this part of the world functions, and it is complex, I have been subject to immense grace and understanding from people here.

The overwhelming majority of Muslims anywhere are as shocked by terrorism and violence as we are.

It is important to draw solid distinctions between aspects of culture and religion you may find unsettling and terrorism itself.

New Zealand has always set an example to the world on community, empathy and tolerance.

There are responsibilities that go along with being a member of any group, privileged or not.

We have an increasingly multicultural world and country.

The journey towards equality and balance is a long one; injustice can be found at every turn, anger can be roused, arguments for hatred will always be made, inflammatory opinions are but a click away.

As a society, country and ultimately as a world, our only chance is to find a way to fundamentally stay together, even if this requires an element of personal sacrifice.

I urge New Zealanders to understand that extreme thought of any kind will always lead to the same place.

I urge New Zealanders to lead by example and show the world what the human race can be capable of, and where we should aspire to go.

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