People and place: ensuring the wellbeing of every generation

Overview

Healthy whenua (land) is important for a flourishing environment and people’s wellbeing.

That’s because how we care for whenua affects our water, climate, air and native species, as well as people's quality of life. But how might our land – and New Zealanders’ relationship with it – change over the coming decades? What could they look like in 2050?

The Ministry’s Long-term Insights Briefing project delves into this important topic, and looks at the risks, challenges and opportunities.

Have your say

We’ve been asking New Zealanders about their aspirations for the future of the whenua as a source of wellbeing.

Your feedback will help shape our first Long-term Insights Briefing. The briefings, which government departments will produce every three years, aim to enhance public discussion on long-term issues and contribute to future decision-making.

In May 2022, we sought feedback on what things were most important and of interest to you when considering the people and place of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read the full consultation document [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Read the summary of submissions [PDF, 3.8 MB]

What happens next

Once a draft briefing is prepared, the Ministry will again seek feedback from the public later in 2022. We’ll also do targeted engagement with people and groups who have an in-depth interest in the topic.

After that second round of consultation, we’ll finalise the briefing and submit it to Parliament before the end of the year.

If you have any queries, please email insights@mfe.govt.nz.

For more information about the briefings, see He Puka Whakamārama i te Pae Tawhiti | Long-term Insights Briefings [Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission website]