The Latest "Social Report"
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has released the latest version of the "Social Report", which monitors social wellbeing and quality of life in NZ. The report shows a number of positive changes which should be celebrated, but also shows that there are some key social indicators where NZ lags.
Key positive trends from the report include:
- a significant drop in the unemployment rate to 4.7 percent compared with 10.3 percent in 1991/92;
- average hourly earnings have increased by 10 percent in the last 6 years, to reach $17.82;
- educational achievement continues to trend upwards, with an increasing proportion of the adult population achieving at least an upper secondary school level of education;
- participation in tertiary education has increased, from 8 percent of the adult population in 1997, to 11 percent today; and
- NZers have a very high level of trust in each other, with 57 percent believing that people can almost always, or usually be trusted. This is high compared with other countries.
But there remain some significant problems, which need to be addressed. These include:
- substantial differences in the rates of unemployment according to ethnicity, with the Maori unemployment rate of 10.2 percent almost triple that of the rate for Pakeha NZers;
- we remain in the bottom half of the OECD in terms of income inequality;
- we continue to have much higher levels of the population living below the poverty line (22 percent) than in the 1980s (13 percent);
- we have the third highest rate of child maltreatment deaths in the OECD, behind only the USA and Mexico; and
- there are very significant differences of life expectancy according to ethnicity, with non-Maori likely to live at least eight years longer than Maori.
A bit of background
Wellbeing comes about as a result of those aspects of life that we as a society agree contribute to our individual happiness, quality of life, and welfare. To get a sense of the level of wellbeing in NZ and how it has changed over time, we need to identify what those aspects of life are.
This report breaks wellbeing down into 10 discrete components, referred to as "desired social outcomes". The table below summarises these outcomes.
Health |
All people have the opportunity to enjoy long and healthy lives. Avoidable deaths, disease, and injuries are prevented. All people have the ability to function, participate, and live independently or appropriately supported in society. |
Knowledge and Skills |
All people have the knowledge and skills they need to participate fully in society. Lifelong learning and education are valued and supported. All people have the necessary skills to participate in a knowledge society. |
Paid Work |
All people have access to meaningful, rewarding and safe employment. An appropriate balance is maintained between paid work and other aspects of life. |
Economic Standard of Living |
NZ is a prosperous society, reflecting the value of both paid and unpaid work. All people have access to adequate incomes and decent, affordable housing that meets their needs. With an adequate standard of living, people are well placed to participate fully in society and to exercise choice about how to live their lives. |
Civil and Political Rights |
All people enjoy civil and political rights. Mechanisms to regulate and arbitrate people's rights in respect of each other are trustworthy. |
Cultural Identity |
NZers share a strong national identity, have a sense of belonging, and value cultural diversity. All people are able to pass different cultural traditions on to future generations. Maori culture is valued and protected. |
Leisure and Recreation |
All people are satisfied with their participation in leisure and recreation activities. All people have adequate time in which they can do what they want to do, and can access an adequate range of different opportunities for leisure and recreation. |
Physical Environment |
The natural and built environment in which people live is clean, healthy, and beautiful. All people are able to access natural areas and public spaces. |
Safety |
All people enjoy physical safety and feel secure. People are free from victimisation, abuse, violence and avoidable injury. |
Social Connectedness |
People enjoy constructive relationships with others in their families, whänau, communities, iwi and workplaces. Families support and nurture those in need of care. NZ is an inclusive society where people are able to access information and support. |
You can find more details on the social report at the website www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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