There's a lesson here for this nation, but unfortunately, I don't think the people who need to, will consider it. Sad really. NZ was such a great little country. Now it seems to be run by the crime-heads & thugs in the Waikato.
Divisive policies are not the only thing pulling NZ back I am afraid. Many other similarities can be drawn from this article - elevated inflation, declining FDI, tarnished international image for high-value investments (although hard to think of a time when NZ had such an image) and need to eliminate cartels.
break the “iron triangle” of bureaucrats, politicians, and manpower-industry interests that contributes to abuse, exploitation, and shortages in Malaysia’s migrant labour market - some would argue things aren't as dramatic here in NZ, I'd say we're getting there.