New Zealand books on wellbeing: A review essay

Abstract

This essay reviews three recent New Zealand books on the topic of wellbeing, against the backdrop of the world’s first Wellbeing Budget delivered to the New Zealand Parliament on 30 May 2019. The essay argues that the different perspectives offered by the three books are examples of a rich history of distinctive Australasian contributions to wellbeing economics and public policy. Each contains valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for public policy to contribute to expanding the capabilities of persons to lead the kinds of lives they value–and have reason to value. The article concludes it would be useful in New Zealand to pursue a research agenda that provides new knowledge on the intersection between families and public policy in the context of promoting wellbeing.