Te Puni Kōkiri, in collaboration with the Treasury, is proud to release a discussion paper that provides a Māori perspective on the Living Standards Framework.

Te Puni Kōkiri Chief Executive Michelle Hippolite believes “a radical shift in the conversation about wellbeing is needed if we are truly to achieve intergenerational wellbeing for Māori and all New Zealanders in the future”.

An Indigenous Approach to the Living Standards Framework is part of a suite of discussion papers published on the Treasury website to stimulate conversations about how to better support intergenerational wellbeing and raise living standards.

“Māori have their own understanding of intergenerational wellbeing that draws on cultural values, beliefs, social norms and indigenous knowledge”, says Mrs Hippolite.

The paper contends that Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori and a whānau-centred approach need to drive Māori wellbeing. It also proposes using the Whānau Ora Outcomes Framework, agreed to by iwi and the Crown, as a way to consider wellbeing in a holistic and connected way.

The concepts in An Indigenous Approach to the Living Standards Framework have been reviewed by members of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board, Dr Ganesh Nana from BERL, Professor Graham Smith and Associate Professor Dr Mānuka Henare.

Treasury Secretary, Gabriel Makhlouf acknowledges Te Puni Kōkiri for preparing the discussion paper.

“I want to thank Te Puni Kōkiri for preparing the paper and for all the work and knowledge that has gone in to it. Wellbeing is closely linked to culture, and the role of culture within the Living Standards Framework, particularly Te Ao Māori, is a key and ongoing area of work.

“Our intent with these papers is to encourage the sharing of different viewpoints and to ensure that the Living Standards Framework reflects what is unique about New Zealand and New Zealanders”, says Gabriel Makhlouf.

The Treasury has also published papers offering Pacific and Asian perspectives on wellbeing and the Living Standards Framework.

The Treasury and Te Puni Kōkiri welcome feedback on this paper and all other discussion papers. The paper can be accessed via the Te Puni Kōkiri and Treasury websites.

ENDS