How will political interventions benefit people on an intergenerational level? Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, presents a new approach to New Zealand’s finances through- The Wellbeing Budget 2019. This budget supports New Zealand’s approach to improve societal well-being, not only their economic well-being. The Wellbeing Budget was built on the prospect of “building trust back into institutions”, through gauging the long-term impact of policies on the quality of people’s lives, instead of focusing on short-term outputs. New Zealand will address this long-term goal of wellbeing through the lens’ of "kindness, empathy and well-being".

The five priority areas to invest public funds are: 

• supporting mental wellbeing for all New Zealanders, with a special focus on under 24-year-olds
• reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing, including addressing family violence
• lifting Māori and Pacific incomes, skills and opportunities
• supporting a thriving nation in the digital age through innovation, social and economic opportunities
• creating opportunities for productive businesses, regions, iwi and others to transition to a sustainable and low-emissions economy.

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