My Account
Unravelling the complexities of global issues and mapping a path towards a more just and equitable world for everyone is the subject of a book published by part-time Omaha resident Clive Elliott.
The Auckland QC started writing The Power of Wellbeing in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings and Donald Trump’s presidency.
“Like the rest of NZ, I think, I was deeply shocked by events in Christchurch,” he says. “I started to question whether NZ actually was the peaceful and inclusive country that I had always thought it was.
“At the same time, Trump’s presidency was highlighting some major internal problems and divisions in the US.”
Elliott describes the US as the standard bearer for liberal democracies everywhere – “if the US goes, we go with it” – and uses the book to compare how both countries, NZ and the US, are responding to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
“We seem to be beset with intractable problems – growing inequality, polarisation, extremism, global warming and, of course, the severe disruption caused by Covid 19. And, that was before Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, casting further doubt on the viability of the current world order,” Elliott says.
“I accept that this is all uncomfortable and unsettling. Even so, I try to join the dots and make sense of what is happening around the world and at home. I argue that we need to take a deep breath and reassess our institutions, systems and values, and re-purpose them in an uncertain post-pandemic world. We can engineer positive change and build a better world where most of the population can thrive and prosper, while preserving and enhancing the core values of equality, trust and empathy.”
Elliott says the book is apolitical, although the views of politicians of all stripes, retired and current, are distilled into the story. He also employed a researcher for two years to provide the data needed to understand some of the issues discussed.
He believes his years as a lawyer have given him the capacity to understand complex factual issues, digest information and present it in a coherent way.
“We are bombarded with so much information these days that sometimes it can be difficult to make sense of it all. I hope The Power of Wellbeing will help thinking readers navigate these issues and encourage further debate.”
Elliott has had a house at Omaha for 24 years and describes Omaha and Matakana as his second home. Originally from South Africa, he moved to NZ 40 years ago to escape apartheid.
The Power of Wellbeing is Elliott’s first non-legal book and is available the Village Bookshop in Matakana and online at https://cliveelliott.com/the-power-of-wellbeing
Book Giveaway
Mahurangi Matters has a copy of The Power of Wellbeing to give away to one lucky reader. To go into the draw, email: gm@localmatters.co.nz with Wellbeing in the subject line. Entries close March 21.
