In 2019 Ardern introduced Happiness Indicators to replace NZ’s Gross Domestic Production. The GDP is a standard measure of the value created through the production of goods and services during NZ during a certain period of time. Eg: Measures income earned from production, total spent on final goods and services (Less imports). Its simply the measurement of a country’s economic health. Forbes reported on 11th July 2012 ‘NZ Ditches GDP for ‘Happiness & Wellbeing’
Describing the NZ Govt’s Happiness Index helps govts use their budgets to increase welfare of citizens instead of economic health, a policy shift for government spending. GDP had become under scrutiny as a govt planning tool with decision makers turning instead to a Happiness Index which includes ‘Happiness Indicators’. Yet GDP had been a dependable tool to determine the economic health of a country, where the nations GDP is divided by its population to determine the GDP per capita.
Ardern also in 2019 followed her news measurement of Happiness and Wellbeing of the population of NZ with a first ever ‘Well-being Budget’, where she introduced an increase of $200million in services aimed at victims of domestic violence and housing programs for the homeless population within NZ. Ardern’s new decision making policy is described as ‘progressive, one no other major country had so explicitly adopted where ‘well-being’ becoming the objective.
NZ Govt then upon unveiling its new economic framework on ‘happiness and wellbeing’ decision making, policy explained to NZrs the basis behind the Govt’s shift from GPP to the Happiness Index. There are 5 govt priorities , all must advance one of five of these priorities namely either (1) Improving Mental Health (2) Reducing Child Poverty (3) Addressing inequalities faced by Indigenous Māori & Pasifika people (4) Thriving in a Digital age (5)Transitioning to a Low-Emissions Sustainable Economy – It was reported that business would gain $2.1 trillion by embracing Low-Carbon Tech.
Max Harris’s book published in 2017 ‘The NZ Project’ includes text that reads “NZ an ideal nation to lead a change in global views”, NZ was to be a rockstar of all global economies by embracing these ‘Happiness indicators in the Govt’s Happiness Index’ which still is used. Forbes reported in 2019 that “NZ has always been at the forefront of change throughout the ages, and continues to be so by pioneering a community centered economic plan- Ardern’s Happiness Index.
NZ was not the first to introduce Happiness policy-decision making this originated from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan which was distinctively known as the Buddhist Middle Way where ‘happiness is accrued from a balanced act rather than from an extreme approach’.
The term, concept of ‘Gross National Happiness’ was a concept introduced by the 4th King of Bhutan in 1972, as being described as more important than GDP. This concept was adopted into agenda 2030 (UN) Global Development Goals (SDGs) by the UN Assembly in 2011 (Resolution 65/309, thus urging UN Nation State Governments to follow the Bhutan example as a ‘fundamental human goal’
2012 Bhutan’s Prime Minister and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon convened a High Level Meeting focusing on ‘Well-being and Happiness’, to define a new economic paradigm, spreading Bhutan’s philosophy, hence the first Happiness Report was issued. In 2012 the UN declared 20th March ‘International Happiness Day (Resolution 66/28). A collective goal of Happiness for Un Nation States govts decision making policies…
Ardern’s 2019 Happiness Index 5 priorities :- either (1) Improving Mental Health (2) Reducing Child Poverty (3) Addressing inequalities faced by Indigenous Māori & Pasifika people (4) Thriving in a Digital age (5)Transitioning to a Low-Emissions Sustainable Economy –(1)Improving Mental Health:- It was reported that business would gain $2.1 trillion by embracing Low-Carbon Tech. NZ Herald reports 22/6/2023 “What has happened to the billions $$’s set aside to improve Mental Health services in NZ? There are fundamental gaps across the sector, young people in crisis-70 days to see a therapist, men struggling with depression, people with chronic conditions struggling to receive diagnosis and care. (Refers robbing Peter to pay Paul)
Stats NZ 2021 showed that mental wellbeing had declined since 2018. COVID-19 study as to the governments highly restrictive strategy on the NZ population caused unprecedented disruption to daily life that has caused much depression, anxiety and stress. (Improving Mental Health-Ardern’s new Happiness Indicators prove to be ‘Unhappiness indicators- but the govt will not admit this- instead covers up people, the economy seriously impacted and struggling especially around mental health)
(2)Reducing Child Poverty: 16th May 2022 ‘Govt needs to step up to address child poverty ahead of the 2022 Budget. 29th March 2011 Income Support changes fall short of what struggling households need (Research from Fairer Future Collaboration). 21st Feb 2022 Families need cash not food banks, poverty advocate warns. 22/10/2021 Govt hardship announcement ignores children with the greatest needs. 25th March 2021 Govt Housing Package ‘Ignores Elephant in the Room’ and 23rd Feb 2021 ‘Shocking, disappointing’ Child Poverty show incrementalism is NOT working”. Back in June 2020 ‘Greens proposals would lift families out of poverty’ (Ardern’s Happiness Index of Happiness Indicators turn to a Unhappiness Index)
(3)Addressing inequalities faced by Indigenous Māori & Pasika: Firstly the terminology ‘Indigenous Peoples was introduced into NZ in the early 1970’s by George Manuel the President of the Canadian Indian Brotherhood and the founder of the UN World Council for Indigenous Peoples’ when he visited NZ he met with specific Iwi/Maori politicians then hence ‘Indigenous Peoples’ came to be. This phrase was originally coined by radical activist Parkipuny of the North Tanzanian Maasai Tribe, who was a member of the Tanzania Parliament then turned activist.
The Happiness Indicators ‘ Justification for race based public healthcare. A race based Health authority. Hospital Waiting lists based on race of ancestors, prioritizing waiting lists based on race-ethnicity. Pharmacy initiatives only accessible to Māori and Pasifika. Race based tax-payer funded freebies-prezzy cards for Maori pregnant women. Dividing healthcare up by race of ancestry (blood lines). The wasting of billions $$s of tax payer funded money. What makes people of NZ Happy? What all citizens of NZ have the same opportunity in the health care system. (Ardern’s Happiness Indicators caused much unhappiness for those that are of Non- Māori ancestry that remain on the hospital waiting lists)
(4)Thriving in a Digital Age- number 4 of Ardern’s Happiness indicators in her Happiness ‘Wellbeing Budget’ NZ’s Economic wealth. IT Brief NZ reports ‘NZ Falls Behind on Digital Economic Performance’ (7/6/2022) According to Aotearoa’s Digital Priorities in 2022 a report from the Technology Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ), supported by the global Network Readiness Index (NRI), New Zealand currently ranks 42 in the world for overall access to technology, 56 on cybersecurity, 62 for high tech exports and 69 on medium and high-tech manufacturing. The report shows that there are concerns of NZ’s digital business leaders revealing that Kiwi companies are facing shortages in hardware, tech products and digitally skilled workers
Cyber security being a huge key concern highlighted in a 2021 report (8,831 incidents were reported to CERT NZ a 13% increase on 2020, these included financial losses with a combined total of $16.8 million. (Source of information Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ,), Ministry Of Justice reported ‘Cyber security Incident that impacted coronial data’. (18/1/2023). December 6th 2022 .. It was reported that multiple govt department in NZ affected by ransomware (attack on IT provider) is feared to have disrupted dozens of organizations in NZ and several govt depts & public authorities. The Ministry Of Justice and Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) were amongst them as being impacted by the cyber attack. (Are you happy that your private information may be in the hands of crims inside and outside of NZ- Ardern’s number 4 Happiness Indicators fails miserably)
Ardern’s Happiness Indicator number 5 (Transitioning to a Low-Emissions Sustainable Economy). Shaping NZ’s Low Emissions Future’, this project has been running since 2013. NZs Emissions Trading Scheme is reported to be ETS Effective. Govt emission reductions, opportunities, policies and actions. The 2015 Household Climate Action Tool of NZs Low Emissions Future. Originated by Motu NZ receiving funding from the Aotearoa Foundation established by Julian Robertson, co-funded from Meridian Energy, Z Energy, Minister of the Environment and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
The Low-Emission Future project is supported by an Advisory Board bringing perspectives from government, the private sector, academia, and NGOs from New Zealand and abroad. Motu NZ is split into 2 separate organization (Motu Economic & Motu Public Policy Research) a charitable trust that runs research programs funded by grants from various organization, including govt depts and private companies. The first funding for the injection of the Govts journalism fund $55 million for training across the Motu, to upskill journalists. (The Govts Interest Journalism Fund)
Greenpeace report that ‘Carbon Off-sets are a Scam, (10th November 2021) A Scammers dream scheme, a book keeping trick. CO2 difficult to predict. Greenwashing. It’s a mirage of reimaginations. Purchasing carbon offsets does not reduce your carbon footprint. NZ 2016 Morgan Report ‘NZ the greatest Climate Fraudsters’ Knowingly purchases climate units from crimes in Ukraine and Russia. (2 Morgan Reports I that tells whom in NZ were the climate crims).
The Morgan Report includes evidence of NZ being the biggest climate cheats in the world, buying fraudulent credit to meet international emissions reduction targets. The calling for NZ Govt to protect NZs clean green corrupt free image. And Climate Cheats 2: The Dirty Dozen Businesses. Act Party and National behind closed doors decided to continue using the fraudulent carbon credits. All political parties in parliament were fully aware of this, said nothing until the Morgan Report was published then did the blame game. All to blame. (The Morgan report can be downloaded online)
Ardern’s Happiness Indicator number 5 (Transitioning to a Low-Emissions Sustainable Economy). Shaping NZ’s Low Emissions Future’. NZ Govt Emissions Trading Scheme, the world’s biggest climate cheats. A Govt Socialist funded leftist propaganda machine ($55 million dollar funding). The ETS Scheme of Stakeholder Capitalism -PPP- Public-Private Partnerships . Self serving Corporate leaders enriching themselves and shareholders through government policy-decision making, the emphasis on shareholder profits (Eg BlackRock Asset Management). They publish for the interest of all shareholders.
Returns from their “flavor-of-the-day” ESG (environment-social-governance) plans, luring in whatever shareholder “fish” are attracted to the promise of high shareholder returns from their plans. Incentivizing them properly to ensure a focus on long-term value, with the right metrics that prioritize shareholder interests. Metric-based Monitoring. Using these four sets of tools, managers can build a base of steward shareholders that are sure to offer their support for companies’ stakeholder-centered initiatives.(Harvard Business Review). Reducing consumption of the worlds resources and energy. Abolishing growth as a social objective using less resources, living differently “You will own nothing, but you will be happy). WEF Schwabs ‘Great Reset’ His 2010 Global Redesign Initiative and Ardern’s Happiness Index to replace GDP in NZ 2019.
The Spinoff reported 11th October 2022 ‘Degrowth is growing in popularity. Newsroom reported 25th sept 2023 Political and Business leaders living in Fantasy land. In the old days when “greenies” talked about “limits on growth” and “peak” this and that, they were commonly dismissed as being dreamers or living in Fantasyland. Gradually it has become clear that though some of the timing may have been wrong, the direction was right. .. The perpetual myth. No shortages, no climate-induced calamities, no wars. Just that sweet tune of market forces in the background
My favorite this week was an effort from business cheerleader-in-chief McKinsey. It contributed to its fellow Fantasy dwellers a study on how we could achieve net zero and acceptable global living standards this decade. (That is not a mistype, they are serious.) In Fantasyland, where all dreams come true, finance and technology come to the rescue. Or in consultant speak “Productivity-driven growth lifts incomes and raises living standards while unlocking the financing capacity needed for a low-emissions future.” You can smell the rich stream of fees on their breath.
Ardern’s prioritizes ‘The Happiness Index- Happiness Indicators in NZ 2019 to replace NZ Economic Wealth for Happiness Wellbeing Fantasyland – the fairytales that have become a nightmare for NZrs I n reality. Just like the 4th King Of Bhutan his Happiness Gross National Index that was introduced to the UN assembly in 2011.. Moving on the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is in economic crisis, 90th in the Economic Freedom Score Index, The modernizing of Bhutan’s economy- Government and Corporations (PPP). The Bhutan Monarchy was transitioned to a constitutional parliamentary system in 2008. Challenges in Bhutan Education and Healthcare Sectors Poverty and unemployment
The National University Of Singapore reported 20th March 2020 ‘The land of Gross Happiness (Kingdom of Bhutan) faces a number of socio- economic challenges. Poverty, youth unemployment remains high, healthcare system is in disarray. High incidences of violence against women. The Govt of Bhutan is reported to be more interested in pursuing happiness amongst people than encouraging the innovation to build the economy. Bhutan was ranked 95th in the World Happiness Report of 2019 among the 156 assessed countries. Ardern adopted Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index in 2019.
A report was prepared by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, in partnership with the Ernesto Illy Foundation. The low ranking of Bhutan in the report affirmed the point, that behind the veil of GNH, Bhutan faces serious social problems. This low ranking also highlighted discrepancies in the third GNH survey carried out in 2015 by the Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH, with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Royal Government of Bhutan.4 Many of these discrepancies were the result of the criteria and methodology used to assess the ‘happiness’ of people.
As a result of its existing socio-economic challenges, a country that famously focuses on the GNH of its people is ranked low in the World Happiness Report 2019. In order to deal with its domestic challenges, the Twelfth Five-Year Plan has made many recommendations. How successful these recommendations will be in addressing the country’s woes is left to be seen.
New Zealand Government remains with decision using Ardern’s Happiness Indicators within the Governments Happiness Index. I hear no clapping of hands “If your happy claps your hands and let me know it”. Silence on the decision making- policy making Happiness Index – for the political cronies in Parliament ‘Silence is Golden’ a Golden Opportunity. An ambitious acceleration to embrace, advance, accelerate a global Agenda, Carbon -You are the carbon they are targeting. (The Fear Factor and compliance) attributes to the Parliaments ‘Happiness Indicators’ in the Happiness Index. A Socialist Communist Degrowth.
Ardern implements the WEF Schwab’s AI Guineapig Project in NZ. New Zealand Guinea-pig State. NZ Government embraces “we are the first” many times over. NZ the first country in the world to introduce an Algorithm Charters, extending this to all Govt agencies. Trust the Algorithms, so small that the eyes cannot see them. (all part of Ardern’s Happiness Index-Happiness Inicators)
Not a Happy Place: Bhutan Faces Serious Socio-economic Problems
https://morganfoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ClimateCheat_Report10.pdf
https://www.justice.govt.nz/about/news-and-media/media-releases/cyber/
https://therecord.media/multiple-government-departments-in-new-zealand-affected-by-ransomware-attack-on-it-provider
https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/new-zealanders-mental-wellbeing-declines/
https://www.cpag.org.nz/media-releases
https://www.act.org.nz/an_end_to_dividing_health_by_race
https://itbrief.co.nz/story/new-zealand-falls-behind-on-digital-economic-performance
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/dougal-sutherland-what-has-happened-to-the-billions-set-aside-to-improve-mental-health-services/KSQHNDMWONAAFGO5SDLSIXGW74/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_National_Happiness
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