The inclusion of New Zealand and Australia on the list of countries to which new requirements are imposed for entry of their citizens on short stay tourist or business visits to the United States represents a clumsy affront to America’s security partners.

The new impositions made known last week involve American intrusion into the past social media lives of Kiwis and Aussies. It is contrary to the spirit of partnership among the three democratic countries that flourished after the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbour more than 85 years ago.

At least one university examination marker has already been denied entry by US Immigration Service (Ice) at Los Angeles airport because of papers she dealt with that were critical of the Trump administration. Ice dredging of past social media activity also covers writings made on the business digital service LinkedIn.

This situation may cause a sharp decline in public opinion about the United States, as people planning to visit America worry that their social media, spoken or written words about the Trump presidency over the past five years could lead to them being refused entry at the border. Prospects are dismal for a refund of the thousands of dollars they spend to get there.

US consular staff dealing with travel requirements will have to become de facto opinion police officers. Decisions will have to be made according to their assessment of the applicant’s record of sentiment toward the Trump administration.

Consider the uproar that might arise if a New Zealander heading to New York City for a life-saving surgery, scheduled two days after arrival, was denied entry to the United States due to past spoken or written criticisms of Trump.

Pressure is now likely to build on Prime Minister Chris Luxon to use his position within the leadership group of the Five Eyes security alliance to achieve less intrusive conditions of entry for their citizens. He can point out that the new powers granted to US immigration officials risk incidents of personal rejection that can quickly develop into widespread and unwanted anti-Americanism.

Worrying to many in the West is the president’s positioning on a range of security, trade, and political issues. But the introduction of the new extensive requirements for New Zealand and Australian travellers brings a new personal element into the relationship with the US.

China’s diplomats in Wellington and Canberra could be excused a celebration of this US move at a time when their country is making gains in its development of friends among South Pacific Island nations.

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In closing down this column on the country’s political scene, the following comes to mind: The failure of  parliamentary leaders, including Māori MPs, to regularly call for more action to curb the spread of “P” in society ranks as a black mark on Parliament’s activities; and the absence of demand for an alternative system of governance, rather than simply an extension of the three-year term of Parliament to four years, reflects either unwarranted complacency or “self-serving” by all political parties.

Appropriate today is Rob Muldoon’s opinion 46 years ago that an extension of the parliamentary term should await establishment of a greater constitutional check on the power of the executive and caucus.

Issues to watch for in coming months include the vital role that our emerging space industry can play in enhancing the country’s defence capability, especially in the South Pacific which is not a priority one area of the US and Australia, but is vital to New Zealand’s import and export trade.

Another is the ability of the precious metals industry to locate fresh sources of supply in areas freed for exploration in the government’s clarification of stewardship land for utilisation by private industry, including Māori interests.

Discovery is one matter, extraction another. But just as the discovery of oilfields onshore and offshore Taranaki contributed to a huge reduction in the country’s import payments, so too would a discovery and extraction of rare earth minerals significantly boost export returns.

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Community newspapers play a vital role. The proceedings of local councils and news for residents such as road closures, water turn-offs and changes in road alignments are not regular offerings from urban and even regional newspapers. Local sports and the activities of local athletes rarely feature. But all may be of considerable in-depth interest to the towns and villages in the localities that community newspapers serve.

As proprietors of the Horowhenua Star, Ian and Debbi Carson, experienced newspaper people, entered into the venture with enthusiasm and a belief that Horowhenua deserved a strong community newspaper following withdrawal by the NZME Group from the Horowhenua Chronicle. That they have now closed the venture reflects a reality that the commercial community of the district cannot sustain two newspapers.

After more than 35 years in the industry I can testify they have contributed much to make the Star a newspaper readers could enjoy and find useful information on activities in and of the area.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all readers.