The Prime Minister is very accustomed to delivering edicts to New Zealanders. Standing on the podium of truth, she has happily proclaimed the new rules, and an army of public servants have set about implementing them. And while this has been necessary in the short term, during periods of crisis, over the longer term this has left many New Zealanders feeling steamrollered, confused, and alone. The Prime Minister has made it clear that her Government knows best, that Wellington is the centre of the universe, and that there is nothing she won't centralise. What this serves to do is to alienate many New Zealanders. 