And with this parity, will New Zealand suddenly transform into something better than it already is? How long will it take for life to improve? If life does not improve very quickly or very much, will they need to "parity" that much harder until it does?

Australia, as you are closest, would you please take notes and let the rest of the world know how it goes? I am also counting on you to be the first to save them from themselves when this all goes to hell. America is a bit busy grinding itself to pieces at the moment, so they may not be able to assist.