Tall Poppy Syndrome in NZ 

Throughout the world, poverty handicaps and greatly effects peoples ability to survive. A lot of people work very hard for very little. Early NZ governments understood that the different class systems were something to avoid. They aspired to set up social structures to give to all of its population, access to education, health care, a fair wage and decent work conditions. NZ has prospered. However, growing inequality is a massive issue worldwide. We are seeing the game of econimcs (monopoly) threatening the survival of many. So yes over generations of diligence in the face of opportunity and adversity my families wealth was gained. But do I understand and respect the virtues, sacrifice, fortune , and the squalor of others that brought me here. Or do I just want more at the expense of others. At what point do our accumulation of riches make us shitty humans? Or do we just ALWAYS need more?

My parents taught me "If you can't afford it you don't get it". The only money I've borrowed is a mortgage for my house. My parents instilled a good work ethic & live by it today. Good words Clay & a brilliant vlog 👍🏻

When I started following you, you didnt have the shed, the log cabin, the other cabin. Actually you had the old farm house. So there has been lots of improvements on the homestead. Some things have slowed you down, regardless you cracked on. Brilliant achievements.

That has got to be one of your best and most important vlogs you have done thanks Clay unfortunately striving to achieve is looked down on

I have friends who own multiple properties, new cars, travel alot. Some of them earned it with hard work and some of them were feed on a silver spoon. Regardless of the how, the best thing i can do and have done, is congratulate them on their successes. If I compared or wished i had what they had or put it all down to them having rich parents or better opportunities, then I'd be a sad sad man. Being genuinely happy for your friends and families succeess, even if you're still working towards yours with benefit you mental greatly.

Well said dude. I've been in NZ for 10 years and earned my perm residence after a 4 years on work visas, more recently I earned my citizenship. I came with nothing but a suitcase and a work visa/passport. Sadly it didn't take very long for me to notice "tall poppy syndrome" in NZ and its really just destructive to all parties involved. The harder I worked and the more better I did (buying a car, home), a specific segment of the population would say things like "you're taking our jobs" or "go back to your country" etc. I used to be upset about it but I realise that instead I just burned their abuse as fuel to push myself even harder. Now that I own my own home and car and I'm saving for a great future I don't actually feel anger or hatred for these people. I feel pity or at minimum empathy for the "tall poppy pluckers". This attitude that "they only made it because of a rich daddy" is what's holding them back from being more than they are. People try to pull each other down to their level rather than elevate each other. They perpetuate the idea that the only way to make it was to be born rich. I wasn't the smartest, the fastest or the strongest and I sure as hell wasn't the richest I was just the one with the stamina to persevere. Nothing came easy or was given freely.

I would restore that landcruiser for free bro. You’re the man, always keeping it real. Respect.

you hit the nail on the head bro. I had schoolmates with rich parents and instead of relying on their parents wealth they were taught to work and study hard, so that's what they did ...unlike me, who barely attended school and my parents didn't really care 😆 there is certainly a lot of envious people out there and it's gross when you see it

love this mate some damn fine wise words of wisdom. Bless ya!

I love that you have addressed this Clay. I watched that too and also saw that comment and immediately felt pi88ed off. Good on him and whoever helps out their whānau. Always gunna have the people that love to bring the negative in. Good on you my mate. I am one of the ‘occasional sisters’ but just for your channel…. I will identify as a Brother! Hahaha

Mr. Clay, you are a good man. Thank you for being a light in the world for these young fellas. Good on you, and good on Ollie. Real men. Real leadership. God bless 🙏

Hey mate absolutely love this video! Keep it up! I’m actually from Nelson too, so cool to see 💯💙

Your a f en good bloke Clay...one of the few remaining longterm youtubers that can point the camera at themselves and continually elaborate on life with real wisdon and sincerity...without descending into some form of narcissistic claiming or obsiquiously hailing for online charity..... Champion....respect...Mana tro burn! Last time I commented was when you were hunting Rabbits with a blowgun...it wass more fun than an African Big game safari!

Completely agree with you there. Work ethic was up there with one of the best things I picked up from my old man. Has done me wonders so far in life and I’m only 30!

Old dog retirement home, you guys make a great matched pack. :)

Hey Mate, been watching you for a few months now, this was an excellent vlog, I'm sooo looking forward to seeing the video of you with the V8 cruiser !

Any land cruisers is stunning clay I was brought up in Scotland leith Edinburgh and when I asked my mum back in the day for 10 pence they never had it when I tell my kids that today they can't believe this there all good but life is very challenging looking forward to seeing the cruiser all down what every you do with it 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Thanks for being real Clay! You're spot on! Wisdom is a earned attribute Cheers!

Hello from Australia 🦘. U Rock bro.😁 Thanks 4 the good shows.

One of the first things I’ve disagreed on with you Clay. Many people in these times, are driving around in fancy cars and have flash things. I work in insolvency for a living, and have soon learned over the last 5 years, people live far above their means. The majority are trying to upkeep an image that never was there by ticking it up on finance. That land cruiser will depreciate like a brick over the next few years, not necessarily as much as other vehicles, but all that money spent on accessories he will never get back. At that young age, I would have hoped my parents would have encouraged me to put that money into property and getting myself set up before buying a toy. Sure there is a time and place to owning things that bring joy, but there are far more appropriate things to be buying at that age. That’s my 2cents worth

What a gem of a channel I have discovered today.

I can relate alot to this bro, good talk bro

Hi clay . I was bought up . If you have a roof over your head ,food in your stomach,and someone that loves you . You are doing OK. Be grateful. Everything else that comes your way is a blessing . And it doesn't matter how tough life gets there is always something to be thankful for .❤

Great video mate good on the young fella with his ute…

I still feel like pulling others down to my level at 40 years of age, alot prob has to do with poor choices and just some shit luck at times, but I recognise the beast inside me and I work daily to keep him caged and muted. I swear I have epiphanies constantly now where shit finally makes sense to me, hoping the feeling I get when I see others climbing a higher ladder rung will be the next one to go. Stay free, stay happy.

Hi 👋 buddy afternoon yeah good on the young fella we can’t choose how things turn out when you’re young you just go a long and do what ever happens I’m sure we all had that thought of I wish I had this or that but you just be grateful for what you do have and how you have achieved things in your own way and when you get to our age in life and look back and say I did it . Great story clay and keep that thought mate with everything that you have achieved your self you will get that Toyota Land Cruiser . And poor old pace looks a bit worse for we’re resting in the grass . Thanks for sharing clay all the best buddy. 🙏 Colin 🤠☕️☕️😘

The haters are self loathing but can't blame themselves.

I feel like alot of people need to hear this. Wealth isn't just something some lucky people have without any effort. It took hard work, dedication and surrounding yourself with the right people to obtain.

This is the reason I’ve followed you for so long. Never to worried to tell it how it is. Sound advice Clay 🤙🏽👏🏼

Chur brother needed that last bit haha churchur fk around!

Well said m8. I'm a kiwi from the waikato and one of the "random sisters" you mentioned- came across this by chance, and must say i thoroughly enjoyed! And am exceptionally pleased to see how you treat your pig dogs- like dogs! Well fed and cared for, not living their life in a cage when they not hunting, and brought up as companion animals, safe around stock & other pets- not just a tool to be used for a sole purpose! I'm a vet nurse, and have hunters in the family who are unlike you!- so i get to c the worst and its not pretty. Not to mention, frustrating as shit and completely unnecessary too!! So thank you ! & keeep it up 😁

I applaud that father for been able to help his son like that. It’s every parents dream to provide a great life for their offspring. Not a lot of point having a bank account full of money and not using it.

Nice to see more of you uncle. Bless you

It takes a community, to raise & build the community to be successful within itself. When people attack the success of others, it clearly shows that they are not community minded but rather selfish, insecure & the jelly monter is lurking around somewhere. There is nothing better which we can do for others, than to encourage, rally beside, lean in & support, to grow with, celebrate with & do life with. Even for yourself..... how much better we feel when we speak life into others & celebrate their wins with them. There is a reason why motivational speakers are so successful...... everyone deserves to be built up

There's a whole philosophy and psychology around 'ressentiment'. It's made worse in the materialistic world where money is tight and the pressure is high, and attainment is so far away or perceived as impossible, which it is for many, and particularly when the conditioning of the propaganda positions people within dysfunctional subgroups, one of which is ressentinment. It should be obvious to people that ressentiment isn't a good way to live, particularly when you're doing without a significant amount, but difficult when there's a dearth of knowledge and skills regarding states of consciousness and their impact on one's life.

Mate, I drove a chipped V8 landy with over 200Ks on it in Australia recently. I was blown away by the grunt and the driving experience. You got to get one, doesn't need to be new, 10 years is worn in. Love your story telling. Mate, the world is so different now.

A lot of crab bucket mentality amongst our folk here. I used to work as a heathcare assistant when I was about 19/20 and the older women there who worked fulltime used to bully me because I was a causal and was shy. I opened up once to one of them about studying data anaylsis and she decided to tell the manager that I was considering quitting (which I never said) and my hours suddenly became slim. If only those elders had supported us young girls instead of putting us down, that resentment would have never existed. Well Im in the last year of my degree passing with good grades and have made vow that when years pass by me, I will treat the young with the respect I didn't receive from those women and to remember those who were kind and supportive and carry on that tradition. Kia kaha ❤

It is much easier to hate and criticize than it is to give praise and credit where it is due. Its just people projecting there own jealousy outward.

Absolutely love this! 🫶🏼

Toyota diesels are legendary. I resleeved a 13B, and put new rings and bearings in it. Ran like a Swiss clock.

If you can focus on the mission to get your dream truck and achieve that it is a dream come true.

Never judge a book by its cover 🤟🏾

Two Americans are standing on a street corner and a limo drives past, he turns and says, “One day, if I work hard enough, I’ll have that”. Across the road two kiwis saw the same thing, he turns to his mate,”One day, I’ll get him out of that”. Can’t remember where I heard that, but it seems that way sometimes ;-) btw, nice truck u have.

I had one. I sold it , shamed until now about it. Have a 1997 toyota hilux surf now, it's a awesome truck too.

livin the dream land, land cruiser, dogs, time and from what i see some freedom I will reach there soon!

Very wise . . . be happy with you have . . . envy is unproductive. Cheers.

I personally think one of the reasons that we don't support people that are doing well for themselves here in nz is because alot of people don't understand what humbleness really is and being "humble" is such a big part of our culture

You are a good man

You'll never see a critic doing better than you. Great chat mate.

You’ve seen the pic of mine mate .the odometer is on 585 000 Kms on it ..and still going strong …my dream to mate the V8 .but bloody heath issues stopped that …good luck to the young fella I say

Interesting stuff mate. 👍

I did something beneficial at my job once the supervisor called me "Team" instead of by name I haven't worked in 6 years.

Awesome mate. I just caught onto your second channel and subscribed. That young man has done very well for himself. Too many people are quick to judge and assume the parents are behind the purchase.

Well said brother.

I hope that boy sees this video and these comments instead of the facebook ones. Facebook is toxic and this how we true kiwis think

Moved to NZ 45 years ago. NZ is a beautiful country. No better place in the world. Time have changed and we now have all kinds of people living in NZ. To this day I still wonder why the tall poppy syndrome somehow still lingers on. Maybe NZ being historically egalitarian society??? Maybe envy of others? Maybe...Maybe.... Maybe.....

Great talk !

Those 13bt engines are also good. My pops had one in his old 70 series back in the day

Great chat bro.

You're a breath of fresh air oxo

Damn. How much does it cost to feed all those dogs. I'd hate to think.

Morning mate..ol Po and Pace are aging gracefully arent they. I use to be so money driven id get super depressed if I didnt have it. Ive never been a Jealous person of anothers success, our success is different to each of us. These land crusiers are ferkn noice I see alot around where I live an other nice utes an id love to own one. But Im not upset if I never do. Soon ill have only whats in my bag and on my person and ill still be happy as. I think society has implanted this huge pressure on people and our young people that if you arent manly enough or you dont own a house , or nice things, If you dont have a healthy bank account that your a failure, moreso in countries like America they are so depressed compared to other places. People waste their enitre lifes away working cause they have a mortgage or car payment's to make thus they are trapped working forever. Fok that mate,.id rather live extremely simple an own what I have as shitty as it might be then be trapped by dept. Especially as a single guy like I am. No offense to anyone. Much love mate and a brilliant talk to.

Please for the love of god start narrating or reading audiobooks. I mean this as a complete compliment but your voice is so calming I kept falling asleep!. Fan from Germany 🇩🇪

You have yourself a beer mate 👍 hope to see you out there in New the landcruiser bloody wise words

Love ya videos bro spot on. Glad i fully deleted the old facebook a few months ago, way too much negativity on their.

Just subscribed,from Nelson 👍

Work! Freedom through work. Some people are scared of work. Ive done some shithouse jobs but they paid well enough to keep me there. Rich people dont work for money, they have money work for them. Job=just off broke. Blood, sweat, and tears is how most sucessful people achieve their goals. With the worlds biggest library at our fingertips anyone can learn to make money. I still have scars from jobs i did 40 years ago. Risk of injury or hard labor can pay well.

Proud to be a NZer!

Im one of the few women😊....Old enough to be your big sister. You have a great lifestyle. My dog would have a wonderful time with your Johnny.. I think he's bored shitless with this old lady.😂

I’m struggling with a family member on drugs fucking up his life. Great to see a good kid getting on. I’ve put a lot more than that lads dad dad put in. But I’ve nothing nice to see or be proud of

My experience tells me "life is too full of unexpected events" to make any conclusions 🤪 Look after yourself my friend, like me you're too old to pretend you're a fit young buck 👍

At the very least it's a good investment, a truck he can own for the next 50 years.

❤ Good on yeah Clay top man 💯😊

chur brother good talk

Possessions are for too important today as an indication of a man's worth. Whats of even greater value is the effort he puts into the people around him, friend and foe. Thats what makes a man's legacy, someone people will remember. The truck is just an indication of the potential this young man will hold, so the real question is, will he reach his real potential...?

That's right some peoplejudge without knowing first and are judgemental too😊

No man is an island and no man is self-made. We all get help and are given things along the way. Yes, for some it's easier than others, but no-one is successful on their own. At what point is it no longer an acceptable helping hand?

I am guilty of doing this myself and what i found is that, the happier i am with myself the less i put others down. For me it comes from a point of putting other people to put myself up. Also the longer you do it the more it becomes apart of your personality and the quicker you become aware of yourself the better. Because at the end of the day it's feeding Negative energy into the world and it doesn't benefit anybody.

Love from mot man good video, dont get stuff like this anymore.

Just good old fashioned envy. None of us are immune to it if we're honest (there's always someone doing better or worse than you). It's what you do with it that matters. If I see someone with a nicer car, house etc.. yeah, sometimes I might have a twinge of envy, but I never dwell on it and I certainly never resent that person for having what they have. They'e earned it and it's theirs, and I've earned what's mine, and it makes no difference in the end. The alternative is wealth re-distribution and the death of the profit motive, which is the source of most great and innovative products that we have in this world (including such critical things as modern medicine etc..).

just wondering what part of NZ are you at?

sweet vid chur

Jealously and envy, from bitter people who wish they had done better.

Awesome video mate

Hey . We’re you under the Motueka bridge with old hone back in the late 80s . I used to live in the top of the south . Anyway yes people will judge but now at 51 years old I just don’t care what others think . I Couldn’t care less and one thing I’ve learnt is to stand in my own power and live within my own truth at all times . Live life on my own terms as much as practical because this isn’t a rehearsal it’s the main show .

I'd say those that liked the comment probably had good parents, they just made bad choices themselves. So seeing someone young with something of value makes them annoyed because they don't have it 🤷‍♂️

we had a kid down south around the same age, as a farm hand making good money, but all he did was take out this ticked up 70~80k truck mudding and got it stucked and fucked it. went into limp mode LOL, got it stuck left it overnight came back underwater

Is this where you upload now mate, this channel just got recommended to me. Didn’t realise you had been posting videos on another channel

good vid old mate

That was good

Are you related to Andrew Leitch?

No one has a problem with others success in of itself. They only have a problem if they didn't 'earn' it. There's no way that kid 'earned' that car at only 18. But envying others doesn't better our own life, better to say nothing and move on.

" Brokies "

If you can't bear to see your own inadequacy in having financial success, denouncing riches is a good idea. People will do anything to avoid looking at their individual capacity for change and put the blame on the world for not bringing it to them.

👍👍

it doesnt go much further than that

Thank you for talking about this!! We need more awareness about it here in NZ. Awareness precedes transformation... It is fundamentally a spiritual problem. Lack of wisdom, good moral values and g % d/love. I like what Carl Jung said on this subject: "The kernel of all jealousy is a lack of love". So true...

Tall poppy syndrome is the cancer of Aus/NZ culture. Especially in the military. We never learned to be happy for other people, only envious and bitter.

Barrett family were put in a position to succeed from hard work and good upbringing, yes. But generationally succeeded due to their ancestor scooping up large amounts of confiscated land from Taranaki. Thats where their farming plot and generational wealth derived from. On record in native land court. Gotta admit, Anyone is MORE likely to be successful if given that chance. Māori are a great example of it. Poverty, crime, and all the statistic they make up are at the hands of colonisation. They had the brakes pulled on their generational wealth. The young man with the ‘23 landcruiser is the example. Yes he worked hard, got the rewards for his hardwork. But as you said, he got help from his folks. Not just financially but through good modelling. You are anomaly, coming from living under a bridge to where you are now - not common. Wish it was. You can be hard working and great person if you come from successful folks. But blokes like you, and my old man, that fought their way through the slog, to be someone to break the generational cycle - are people to admire. Not everyone can be that tough, that hardworking, unwavering and that good of a bloke.

There is an ever increasing wealth gap the rich will ignore, richer people look down on poor it's a fact in NZ .