This third in the series of international conferences on Wellbeing and Public Policy will (1) critically evaluate the rapidly expanding field of wellbeing research across a range of disciplines; (2) share the work of leading international organisations; and (3) distil ideas and practices which will aid governments in developing a wellbeing approach to public policy.

The first in this series of conferences was held in Wellington in July 2012 (for a review see here). The second conference was held at Hamilton College, New York in 2014 (for a review see here). This third in the series will bring together leading scholars on wellbeing, speakers from several international organisations and senior practitioners with experience in applying wellbeing principles to public policy.

The conference will provide extensive opportunity for participants to network and gain exposure to the latest theoretical, empirical and policy related ideas on wellbeing. As such we are open to a variety of disciplines and methodologies. To enhance participants’ experience, collaboration and networking opportunities, a social activity is expected to follow the conference on Saturday, 8 September.

Plenary Speakers

Our five plenary speakers include Edward Diener (the University of Utah and the University of Virginia, USA), Martijn Burger (Director, Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization, the Netherlands), Jan-Emmanuel De Neve (University of Oxford, United Kingdom), Carrie Exton (Policy Analyst, OECD) and Carla Anne Houkama (the University of Auckland). Ministers and senior officials from the New Zealand Government will participate in the conference, as will members of leading international organisations.