This research employed the Treasury’s Living Standards Framework (2017) to identify and delineate the economic footprint of the Pacific community within New Zealand’s economy. There is a dearth of information available about the Pacific peoples’ economic contribution to New Zealand society, particularly with reference to their assets, savings, income and spending. Exploring opportunities to capitalise on the Pacific economy to improve living standards for Pacific peoples, needs to be a critical component of any wellbeing strategy the government develops.

The full engagement of Pacific in all areas of the New Zealand economy and society is essential for the development of a robust, sustainable and competitive economy, with strong independent families and communities (Treasury 2016). This research explored the monetary value of the Pacific economy in New Zealand.