The Treasury’s Pacific Strategy (Le Tofa Mamao ma le Fa’autautaga) recognises that the contribution of all New Zealanders in every facet of the economy and society is necessary for New Zealand to enjoy a robust, sustainable and competitive economy, with strong and independent families and communities.

The New Zealand Pacific Economy report establishes quantitative and qualitative information on what Pacific New Zealanders’ contributions are to the economy, from a living standards perspective. This is a critical component in our understanding of the range of capital stocks and assets that Pacific New Zealanders possess and use to achieve their living standards and wellbeing outcomes.

A key message from this report is that Pacific New Zealanders are contributing significantly to the economy despite the many challenges and inequities they experience in areas such as health, education, housing and employment. It reflects on what more could be achieved by this community if inequities in key areas were addressed.

The quantitative and qualitative data in the Treasury report reminds us that GDP is a limited measure of what constitutes value. The report advocates taking into account broader measures of what contributes to GDP, including cultural capital, spiritual wellbeing, and voluntary unpaid work that build social and community cohesion and intergenerational wellbeing.

https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/tp/new-zealand-pacific-economy

https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/dp/dp-18-09