Both sides have their cultural passwords. The right signifies membership with an ethnic nationalism that waves flags and blames immigrants and foreign governments for economic pressure. The left responds with its own shrill culture war, instead of advances like improving voters’ incomes, health care, security and education. Sure, you may support wealth taxes, as I do. But if taxes are your solution then we also know that you probably rank climate change as a higher priority and we also know your position on Gaza and whether you call the Treaty “Te Tiriti”.

The rituals, language and priorities of the culture war displace the concerns of everyday families about the cost of groceries, power, insurance, mortgages.

The uber rich are lucky in their opponents. Most of us pay our taxes in exchange for having our children educated, our illnesses treated and our homes kept safe. Instead of a plan for those, political parties switch to cultural differences. The Greens oppose data centres. Labour opposes energy security. Opportunity wanted to try 25-year-olds in youth courts. Te Pati Maori supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Voters want rid of culture wars. They want an economic model that doesn’t treat them like unfortunate but unavoidable roadkill.

Josie's Post column is here.