Introduction to progress indicators

Indicators are powerful.  What we count and measure reflect our values as a society and often determine what makes it onto the policy agendas of central, regional and local governments.

By measuring what matters to all of us we can tell if we’re on the right track - and how we can ensure that we stay on it.  From these measures we determine if we are better off than we used to be – whether we are leaving a better world for our children, and what we need to change.   

Progress and wellbeing indicators measure the foundation upon which a healthy and sustainable society can be built – for they measure what is important to people – now and in the future.  They also form the foundation upon which a viable, exciting and transformative vision for New Zealand can be created.

Need for progress indicators

We currently gauge how we are doing as a society according to our economic performance measured by the growth of GDP.  We assume if GDP goes up we are better off.

Simon Kuznets, the Nobel Prize-winning economist and principal architect of the GDP warned 40 years ago “The welfare of a nation can scarcely be inferred from a measurement of national income”.  He went on to say, “Distinctions must be kept in mind between the quantity and quality of growth, between its costs and returns, and between the short and the long run.  Goals should specify more growth of what and for what”. 

Four hundred leading economists, academics, and other experts, including Nobel Laureates, said “Since the GDP measures only the quantity of market activity without accounting for the social and ecological costs involved, it is both inadequate and misleading as a measure of true prosperity….New indicators of progress are urgently needed to guide our society.” 

What are Progress Indicators

Progress and wellbeing indicators measure what matters to all of us.

There is a remarkable consensus, one that crosses all political boundaries, on the principles of what constitutes a decent society.  We all value a clean environment.  We all want to live in a peaceful and safe society.  We need good physical health, strong communities, and free time to relax and develop our potential.  We want economic security and less poverty – an equitable society.  A society based on these principles would provide a good framework for spiritual practice and encourage us to become wiser, freer and more caring.

Progress and wellbeing indicators ensure the critical human, social, cultural, economic and ecological assets are counted and valued in our measures of progress.  They link the economy with these variables to create a more comprehensive and accurate measurement tool. 

Current Event Highlights

Discussion Document "What Matters Most to New Zealanders"

Background

Projects

Global

National

Regional

Community

Website Discussion Forums

Workshops

Anew NZ Progress Indicator Action Group

New Zealand Activities in Progress Indicators

New Zealand Wellbeing Status

International Activities in Progress Indicators

Global Wellbeing Status

Marilyn Waring

Ron Colman

Michael Salvaris

Articles / Reports

Links