New paper explores Pacific perspective on living standards

Kia Ora, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia orana, Taloha ni, Ia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo ni, Halo Olaketa, Mauri, Aloha mai.

A new paper called A Pacific Perspective on the Living Standards Framework and Wellbeing has been published by the Treasury today. It is part of the Living Standards Series of discussion papers aimed at promoting and supporting conversations about wellbeing in New Zealand.

A Pacific Perspective on The Living Standards Framework and Wellbeing recognises the growing influence and impact of the Pacific diaspora and intergenerational population on the New Zealand economy and on New Zealand’s place in the wider Pacific region. It focuses on the commonalities that Pacific New Zealanders share, while recognising the diversity within Pacific communities.

The paper uses a metaphoric model, ‘Fonofale’, to express the Pacific concepts of wellbeing and ‘wellness’. This model highlights ‘family’ as the foundation for all Pacific peoples, and ‘culture’ the overarching element under which all important aspects to Pacific peoples are created and maintained, including values and belief systems. The authors suggest that any framework for describing and understanding Pacific peoples must highlight family as the dominant relationship that Pacific peoples acquire from birth, and highlight the key influence that culture plays in the social, human and physical capital stocks of Pacific New Zealanders.

In the coming weeks the Treasury will release two further discussion papers that will look at wellbeing in the context of te ao Māori and Asian perspectives. The Treasury is encouraging people to share their views on its culture-focused discussion papers to help ensure the Living Standards Framework recognises and reflects what is unique about New Zealand and New Zealanders. Feedback can be sent to cea@treasury.govt.nz.

The Living Standards Series of discussion papers can be found on the Treasury’s website: Living standards most recent papers.

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