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Domains and Indicators for The Social Report 2009

The indicators for The Social Report 2009 are set out in Table IN1, with the updated indicators highlighted in bold.

There have been no changes to the outcome domains in this year’s Social Report, but there have been changes to some indicators. In this edition, the reporting period for the market income per person, unemployment and employment indicators has changed from December years to March years to better reflect the ongoing recession. The adult literacy skills in English indicator, last published in the 2006 Report, is included again this year, with new data from a 10-yearly survey. We also have a new indicator on the representation of ethnic groups in government. A full summary of these changes is provided in Changes to The Social Report (included in the section entitled 'Notes and References'. Technical details about indicator construction are in Technical Details (in 'Notes and References').

Thirty-four of the 43 indicators have new information this year. This includes the two new indicators. Those that have not been updated are either based on surveys that are not repeated annually or new data was not available in time for it to be included in this report.

Table IN1 The Social Report 2009 outcome domains and indicators (updated indicators in bold)

Health
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
Everybody has the opportunity to enjoy a long and healthy life. Avoidable deaths, disease and injuries are prevented. Everybody has the ability to function, participate and live independently or appropriately supported in society.
  • Health expectancy
  • Life expectancy
  • Suicide
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Obesity (international comparison updated)
  • Potentially hazardous drinking (international comparison updated)
Knowledge and Skills
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
Everybody has the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in society. Lifelong learning and education are valued and supported.
  • Participation in early childhood education
  • School leavers with higher qualifications
  • Participation in tertiary education
  • Educational attainment of the adult population
  • Adult literacy skills in English
Paid Work
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
Everybody has access to meaningful, rewarding and safe employment. An appropriate balance is maintained between paid work and other aspects of life.
  • Unemployment
  • Employment
  • Median hourly earnings
  • Workplace injury claims
  • Satisfaction with work-life balance
Economic Standard of Living
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
New Zealand is a prosperous society, reflecting the value of both paid and unpaid work. Everybody has access to an adequate income and decent, affordable housing that meets their needs. With an adequate standard of living, people are well-placed to participate fully in society and to exercise choice about how to live their lives.
  • Market income per person
  • Income inequality
  • Population with low incomes
  • Housing affordability
  • Household crowding
Civil and Political Rights
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
Everybody enjoys civil and political rights. Mechanisms to regulate and arbitrate people’s rights in respect of each other are trustworthy.
  • Voter turnout
  • Representation of women in government
  • Representation of ethnic groups in government
  • Perceived discrimination
  • Perceived corruption
Cultural Identity
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
New Zealanders share a strong national identity, have a sense of belonging and value cultural diversity. Everybody is able to pass their cultural traditions on to future generations. Māori culture is valued and protected.
  • Local content programming on New Zealand television
  • Māori language speakers
  • Language retention
Leisure and Recreation
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
Everybody is satisfied with their participation in leisure and recreation activities. They have sufficient time to do what they want to do and can access an adequate range of opportunities for leisure and recreation.
  • Satisfaction with leisure time
  • Participation in physical activity
  • Participation in cultural and arts activities
Physical Environment
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
The natural and built environment in which people live is clean, healthy and beautiful. Everybody is able to access natural areas and public spaces.
  • Air quality
  • Drinking water quality
Safety
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
Everybody enjoys physical safety and feels secure. People are free from victimisation, abuse, violence and avoidable injury.
  • Assault mortality
  • Criminal victimisation
  • Fear of crime
  • Road casualties
Social Connectedness
Desired Outcome Statement Indicators
People enjoy constructive relationships with others in their families, whānau, communities, iwi and workplaces. Families support and nurture those in need of care. New Zealand is an inclusive society where people are able to access information and support.
  • Telephone and internet access in the home (international comparison for internet access updated)
  • Regular contact with family/friends
  • Trust in others
  • Loneliness
  • Contact between young people and their parents