Reintroducing Dr Paul Dalziel, Research Economist for WEAll Aotearoa
Dr Paul Dalziel needs little by way of introduction. Paul co-wrote the book on wellbeing economics from Aotearoa New Zealand, and was one of the founding trustees for WEAll Aotearoa.
After retiring as Professor of Economics at Lincoln University at the end of 2024, Paul joined the WEAll staff team as Research Economist.
We are thrilled to re-introduce Paul via the short interview below.
Kia ora Paul, you were a Professor of Economics for 20 years and a founding trustee of WEAll Aotearoa. You recently retired from both roles to become our staff Research Economist. Can you tell us about your professional journey and what you are hoping to achieve in the next few years?
My first academic job was at the University of Otago in 1984, right at the beginning of New Zealand’s neoliberal economic reforms. There was huge stress in many parts of the country. Māori and Pasifica unemployment reached rates not seen since the 1930s Great Depression.
This made a big impression and I have spent the last 40 years researching topics in wellbeing economics. Most of the time was spent at Lincoln University. A lot of my work was directed to finding ways to connect the wellbeing of the natural environment with the wellbeing of people. This is essential for a country that depends so much on food exports and nature-based tourism.
For the last ten years, our team at Lincoln worked alongside some amazing enterprises developing value chains based on shared values beyond a simple search for profits. This included leadership from iwi organisations that I found very inspiring.
I want to build on that work at WEAll Aotearoa. Globally, the climate crisis is upon us and we are seeing populist political movements based on resisting change and attacking vulnerable groups of people. We need to support the transformation to a wellbeing economy at every level, locally, nationally and globally.
What gives you inspiration?
I have four mokopuna all aged under five. They are full of energy and life. I ask myself what sort of world will they grow up into? And what will their own grandchildren experience if we don’t change our overconsumption?
In thinking about this, I am inspired by people in all walks of life who are working in their own way to be good ancestors for future generations. WEAll is reaching out with resources and connections to amplify this work. It is inspiring to be part of the national and global teams striving to make a difference for people and planet.
How do you explain a Wellbeing Economy?
I start with a quote that comes from a famous economist, Professor Amartya Sen. Sen proposed that our purpose is to expand the capabilities of persons to lead the kinds of lives they value, and have reason to value.
Our economy should support that purpose. This means economic activities must include care for our natural environment. Businesses must pay living wages. Communities must be able to build wealth for themselves. Public services must provide quality education and health care for all citizens. Children must be able to develop their full potential, not limited by poverty.
What are you most proud of?
This might sound strange, but I am proud to be a New Zealander. There is terrible violence in our colonial history and we are contributing more than our share to current global warming. We have also done some amazing things - women’s suffrage, the welfare state, the conservation estate, the Waitangi Tribunal, nuclear-free New Zealand, homosexual law reform, the wellbeing budgets. I often think a lot of the work I do couldn’t be done anywhere else because it draws on this country’s progressive tradition I am proud to claim.
What are you reading at the moment? What is your favourite book?
The book that had the biggest impact on me is Marilyn Waring’s Counting for Nothing: What men value and what women are worth, published in 1988. This was the beginning of wellbeing economics scholarship in Aotearoa New Zealand and the international version of the book was a foundational text for the launch of feminist economics globally.
I have just finished reading Amartya Sen’s memoir, Home in the World. It is beautifully written and for me was a real eye-opener on how history and economics come together, for better or for worse.
How do you like to relax?
A fair amount of my spare time is involved with Mainland Football referees. I became a Life Member last year, which was very special. I like to get out into the sunshine. I used to run a lot and tramp a little bit. Now it is more likely to be a walk for an hour or so, preferably through some green space or along the beach. Talking, eating and drinking with friends is always special. Lying on the couch solving a Sudoku puzzle is how I finish most days.
