Clive Elliott’s book on wellbeing is as thought-provoking as it is stimulating, as optimistic as it is balanced and reasonable. In these troubled times in our global third year of Covid, many of us seem focused on the very short term – literally moving from day-to-day, the thought of planning or considering for next week as far off as next year. It’s for that reason that this book is so timely, as it encourages us to stop. And take a step back. And think. Think about the world we are all in now, how we’ve allowed it to change, and the wonderful alternative that Aotearoa presents to the world. The book is very well balanced, and displays some of the common themes of government in Aotearoa, that of inclusion and a strong desire to avoid extremes. The book demonstrates the strong kiwi themes of welfare for all, tolerance and inclusion. Themes which, sadly, have become less and less common as the 21st century marches on. Clive’s wonderful book discusses how and why Aotearoa holds on so dearly to those themes. The book also reflects upon and respects the huge importance of Māori, as the cornerstone of Aotearoa’s identity, and its governance. I hope that those that read the book get as much out of it as I did. Clive’s book is timely and deeply informative. Whilst it is at pains not to paint Aotearoa as a perfect or utopian society, I can’t help but think that those reading the book from outside Aotearoa are even more keen to come to visit Aotearoa, and sample the wellbeing painted so vividly by Clive for us all to enjoy. #wellbeing #newzealand