My Perspective: Want to lead the people? Try living like them

Public service shouldn't come with private privilege. A group of health workers, including specialists, GPs, nurses and paramedics, have signed an open letter to politicians, asking them to give up private healthcare while in office.

Finally, a chance for MPs to be relatable. The letter urges politicians to consider whether they'd feel comfortable waiting six months for a sick child's procedure, or if the emergency department is adequate care for an elderly parent.

To his credit, Health Minister Simeon Brown does not have private health insurance. But there's a wider opportunity here for politicians, all earning upwards of 160k a year, to walk in the shoes of their constituents, rather than tiptoeing around the everyday realities our communities face.

Can you imagine if some of our MPs had to spend a week living in a damp, overcrowded home? Or were they told there's no support available for their child struggling at school? Or have a family member with a disability who doesn't meet the criteria for support funding?

How about trying to feed and house your family on $50,000 a year, the median household income for Pacific families as of June last year? Of course, no one wishes harm on our politicians, and there are certain perks and comforts in place to ensure they can focus on their jobs.

But imagine if Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour had to eat the free school lunches every day? Or if Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka had to sit with a family needing emergency housing and ask whether they'd contributed to their situation?

We need politicians who understand struggle, poverty, and trauma, who can acknowledge systemic inequity and commit to being part of the healing process. Look us in the eye when your policies punch us down.

Or, at the very least, try experiencing a dose of portfolio reality before unleashing another cost-saving measure that pushes more people to the margins. If our leaders truly want to serve the people, they need to start by standing beside them.

That’s My Perspective.

Listen to Khalia Strong’s Perspective on Facebook below.