New Zealand ranked world's second most prosperous country
The Legatum Prosperity Index 2018, which compares 149 countries, was released on Wednesday (local time).
The index is based on nine 'pillars of prosperity': economic quality, business environment, governance, personal freedom, social capital, safety and security, education, health and the natural environment. Norway took out the top spot, with Finland, Switzerland and Denmark rounding out the top five. New Zealand has been ranked first since 2014, but our relatively low rankings in economic quality (14th), education (18th) and health (17th) meant we slipped down to second this year. But all things considered, we're doing well. We're the highest-ranked country in the world for social capital, which the report describes as "the strength of personal and social relationships, social norms and civic participation in a country". We're number two in business environment, governance and personal freedom, and fourth in natural environment. Our worst area is safety and security, in which we ranked 24th behind countries like Australia, Portugal and the Czech Republic. Down the other end of the scale, the world's least prosperous country is Afghanistan, who also ranks last in social capital. The Legatum Institute says its key global finding for 2018 is that prosperity is growing, but not equally.
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Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.3% Second half of November
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38% 1st December
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19.4% A week before Christmas
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36.8% Whenever you wish
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1.6% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Me This, Neighbours! Bet You Can’t Guess It!
Sometimes narrow, sometimes wide, wind or rain, I stay outside.
Even if there’s heat or snow, from house to house I will still go.
What am I?
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.3% Yes
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13.7% No
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1% Other - I'll share below
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