Some of my last street corner meetings for the campaign were in Mt Victoria last night. It would be fair to say that most of those who came out to say hello and ask questions last night, it was what was taking place in the US that really mattered. 

Everywhere I went in Wellington last night in and around the fantastic fireworks display, people were ecstatic that Barack Obama has been elected.  The piece in his speech where he addressed people in other countries was a hugely symbolic moment for many I spoke to.  The fact that he is prepared to look outwards in that way gives me hope that we will see the kind of leadership and involvement from the US in the world that we have looked for in vain in recent times.

His message of hope and inclusion is something for all of us to aspire to.  It is easy to be dragged into the minute details and disputes of a campaign, but in the end what we are all trying to do is find the way to build a better world- starting here in Wellington, in New Zealand, and in the world.  I for one, woke up this morning, with more hope in my heart than for a very long time.