The Happy Planet Index

NZ is ranked 38th out of 140 on the Happy Planet Index.

The index is calculated by multiplying life expectancy by wellbeing by inequality of outcomes and divided by ecological footprint.

It is the relative ranks in each sub-area that I found interesting:

• Life Expectancy 12th/140
• Wellbeing 13th/140
• Ecological Footprint 119/140
• Inequality 12th/140

Being 12th best for equality of outcome is a good result. And very different to what you hear from the inequality lobby groups who would have you think we’re Rwanda.