Big changes don’t just happen by large referendums. Large changes occur by the accumulation of small actions, attitudes and voices. The voice has started.

New Zealand went to the polls and changed allegiance from left to right, from red to blue.

What does that mean for us in the Cook Islands? 

Time will tell as it will in New Zealand, but like here, the ruling party must make friends with others in order to have the leading majority to rule.

Thus, putting minor league party leaders into the role of kingmakers with more power than they deserve by popular public vote.

When viewed this way, do we need to adjust our electoral processes so that minority constituents have a pro rata level of strength, so the person voted in on a majority from 40 voters does not carry the same legislation weight as those who have a majority from 4000.

Australia also voted on a referendum for aboriginal rights whereby 60% said no.

What does that say to the 3.8 percent aboriginal population? 

What does it say about Australians as a culture and what they think in general?

The Voice as it was called was an opportunity for the majority of non-indigenous Australians to vote Yes to allowing a plan that would give greater political rights to indigenous people via a referendum.

The current government said they were committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, but in order for it to be accepted they needed a majority nationally, and in four of the six states to pass.

On the day, all six states voted no - to a proposal to amend the constitution to recognise first nations people and create a body for them to advise the government on policies that affect them.

Opposition to the proposal kept highlighting it’s lack of details - which is what would essentially be decided and legislated by parliament once voted in.

The point was to get it passed the first gate.

Then instead of looking at getting a foot in the door to start the focus and conversation on the disadvantaged indigenous people, some members of their own community said they didn’t want a ‘soft settling’ document that gives the government non-binding advice, so they too voted no.

The Voice was always going to be the first step towards change and acknowledgement, and once the constitution was amended, it would give them a chance to be heard as an advisory board.  

The power of an advisory board should not be underestimated when you see how mining and pharmaceutical companies use their advisory bodies to strongly advise and influence parliamentary decisions.

Once established in the constitution, the next step could be taken towards better equity and equality for the aboriginal and Torres Straits people who have inhabited the land for the past 70,000 years.

The Yes vote failed in its attempt to change the constitution to include them which makes you wonder why they are not in it in the first place?

Many put the result down to apathy towards the idea of voting so the slogan of “if you don’t know vote No” took a hold on citizens who didn’t even know they had to vote - it was mandatory, let alone what it was about.

So does the result say there is a racist bias in Australia, or is it a reflection of being tired and disinterested in creating change, and standing for something by voting.

My nana was a strong advocate for voting, she would say how many people had put a lot of time and effort, and risked their lives at times so that everyone – especially women, the ability to vote.

Voting allows you to express your thoughts and direction for your community and country by submitting your vote. 

If you didn’t vote, Nana would not allow you to make comments on the state of the nation because you didn’t use your right and privilege - to stand up and make a difference.

We do have the freedom of speech and ability to vote which is not often afforded to others, especially women in other countries. 

Standing up for what we believe in and making our voices heard can often seem futile when the people in power make decisions regardless as with the purse sein fishing the water works or the Aitutaki referendum on Sunday flights.

The plight of our futures depends on us speaking up and righting wrongs here and now.

Use your voice to speak about the Sheraton development.

We may feel we have been left to suffer the sins of our fathers - decisions made by those who went before us.

We may accept it is all done and dusted and we don’t have a voice to make a difference.

This is not true. Big changes don’t just happen by large referendums. Large changes occur by the accumulation of small actions, attitudes and voices. The voice has started.