Living Standards Series: Discussion Paper, 18/08, July 2018

Wellbeing is closely linked to culture. A common question with regard to the LSF is therefore where culture fits within the framework. This question is particularly pertinent within the New Zealand context. As Smith (2018, p. 14) has noted: “As both a bicultural country (reflecting the Treaty of Waitangi) and a multicultural country (with an immigrant background), issues of culture, belonging and identity are of fundamental importance if a wellbeing framework is to work in New Zealand.”

These components of culture may be considered within two areas. The first relates to ethnicity and culture and this will be considered briefly below. This conversation acts as an introduction to a series of Discussion Papers, which are forthcoming, and will cover culture from Māori, Pasifika, and Asian perspectives. The second relates to cultural artifacts and includes fine arts. This area is less-developed within the LSF at this time and will be considered in more detail later. (From the website and document).

The Treasury has further work underway on the topic of culture to help clarify the key components of culture that are particularly relevant to individual and societal wellbeing.

One in the series of discussion papers related to the Treasury approach to the Living Standards Framework - follow the link for more information. Record #5931