In spite of the Covid situation in New Zealand, yes, this is amazingly true, New Zealand been deemed in the highest 3 as the richest, happiest, healthiest and most prosperous with the naming of the world's 25 top such countries. This time they have pipped Norway and come out as No 1.
London's Legatum Institute has announced its 10th annual global Prosperity index, which indicates the richest countries in the world. While forming the list, the Institute has compared more than 104 variables which include gross domestic product per-capita and full-time employees.
Besides these variables, the survey also includes some curious numbers such as well-being of people and how well-rested they feel themselves. According to the information there are variables which are divided into 9 sub-categories.
These are economic quality, business environment, governance, education, health, safety and security, personal freedom, social capital, and natural environment.
149 countries have been included in the index based on the most available data they have and Norway has been on the top the past 7 years. However some changes have taken place and here are the results.
New Zealand
It ranked top in the social capital and economic quality indexes, and took 2nd place for governance and business environment. Overall New Zealand came out on top.
This is in line with migration statistics between New Zealand and Australia, where there are now more Australians moving to New Zealand than in the other direction, and moreover the land of the long white cloud has all the hallmarks Australia seems to have lost in recent decades.
There is what is referred to as a softer atmosphere in New Zealand whereas Australia has a harsher, heavier and more aggressive feel about it. We have friends who have relocated to New Zealand and we've travelled to New Zealand many times for ministry and holidays.
Many Australian people long for that ill-defined society they grew up with thirty to forty years ago. They felt safe walking down the street, neighourhoods were friendly and social-able, government policy associated with social welfare was seen as a help rather than having to show evidence for payments 20 years previously and numerous other considerations.
Tourism
Part of this feel-good is expressed through New Zealand's tourism whereby the nation's energy and finances are geared toward showing visitors the very best of the nation with its magnificent scenery and Kiwi life.
This is demonstrated in numerous ways, one of which is light and helpful conversations, the smart nation with available IT and wifi, lovely accommodations, many new experiences and fascinating firsts!
The railway experiences are tourist delights, the coach trips highlight the very best of what is on offer and every convenience is offered. Little wonder visitors love their stays in New Zealand and want to return.
Australians have experienced all this and more. My wife of 45 years before we were married, went on a CYTA Christian youth tour of New Zealand which in the early 70's was already geared for tourists. This illustrates their vast experience in providing holiday makers such joys.
Covid
Yet Covid has struck and the lockdowns have crashed the New Zealand tourism industry. Yet there is hope and expectation.
Dr Mark Tronson - a 4 min video
Chairman – Well-Being Australia
Baptist Minister 45 years
- 1984 - Australian cricket team chaplain 17 years (Ret)
- 2001 - Life After Cricket (18 years Ret)
- 2009 - Olympic Ministry Medal – presented by Carl Lewis
- 2019 - The Gutenberg - (ARPA Christian Media premier award)
Gutenberg video - 2min 14sec
Married to Delma for 45 years with 4 children and 6 grand children
