OUR WORK > BLUEPRINT FOR PROSPERITY

What could a future economic system look like that puts people and the planet at the centre?

Everyday New Zealanders want an economy that can nurture communities, restore nature, and think intergenerationally, but that economy seems distant and intangible.

Blueprint for Prosperity is an ambitious project to outline a realistic vision of a Wellbeing Economy for Aotearoa and the policies and plan to get there.

Looking back to move forward

Many of the rules shaping today’s economic system can be traced back to the neoliberal reforms of the 1980s, when policymakers championed free markets, deregulation, and low taxes. These changes fuelled a period of rapid economic growth across much of the Western world.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, this period of history is marked by the introduction of ‘Rogernomics’, a set of policies and reforms led by Finance Minister Roger Douglas. Most of these policies he took from a briefing paper he received from Treasury officials, when elected in 1984 called ‘Economic Management’.

40 years later, we now know that our current economic system is not ensuring the wellbeing of all people and places as well as it could. Fresh ideas are needed to address the modern challenges we now face.

“Economic Management” - the influential briefing given to the incoming New Zealand Government in 1984.

Economic Management 2.0 for the 2026 Election

Taking a leaf from history, WEAll Aotearoa is producing a modern version of Economic Management.

Blueprint for Prosperity will map out a vision of a Wellbeing Economy and the specific policies to get there that’s clear, common sense and specific to Aotearoa culture, context and institutions.

We will look at:

The systemic challenges a new economic system will need to respond to
What innovative economic initiatives and policies are already out there, supporting the shift to a new system
What new ideas and policies could be implemented to support a Wellbeing Economy

Blueprint will be a collaborative project working with partner organisations, policy experts, and the public.

Leave it in the 1980s

“Leave it in the 1980s” is a video campaign to raise awareness that our current economic system is not here by default, but rather it is the result of deliberate policy choices made 40 years ago. Like many things in the ‘80s, we think some of these policies are in need of a refresh.

We invite you to watch and share this video - and use it to start a conversation about what kind of economy you’d like to see in another 40 years’ time.

Ways you can contribute

Research

The breadth of this project is significant, we are seeking support for specific research questions depending on your expertise.

Funding

We are inviting funding partners to join us on this journey, particularly if this work aligns with the kaupapa of your organisation and you would like to shape its direction.

Get in touch