
The Good Economy
by Craig Renney
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'What does "good" look like - and how do we build it?'
Aotearoa New Zealand is grappling with tough economic questions. Inequality is rising, the cost of living is biting, and many feel left behind. Despite talk of recovery and progress, there's a growing sense that the system isn't working - at least, not for everyone.
In The Good Economy, economists Craig Renney and Diana Russell ask what kind of economy we want - and who it should serve. Through sharp analysis and the voices of New Zealanders - from workers and business owners to young people and community leaders - they explore the values shaping our current system, how we got here, and what it would take to build something fairer and more resilient.
Grounded, accessible and hopeful, this book invites readers to rethink the purpose of economic policy - and to imagine a future with wellbeing, fairness and opportunity at its core.
About the Author
Craig Renney is the Economist and Director of Policy at the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. He previously served as Senior Advisor to the Labour-led government (2017-2023), contributing to the design of the Wellbeing Budgets. He has worked at Treasury, MBIE and the Reserve Bank, and holds qualifications in economics, urban policy and public administration.
Diana Russell is a Senior Consultant at BERL, specialising in labour markets, wellbeing analysis and equitable outcomes. She previously worked at the NZCTU, leading work on the Future of Work Tripartite Forum, and has held roles in policy, communications and research across government and the union movement. She holds a Master of Business Studies (Economics) with Distinction from Massey University.





