Dog chasing its tail on growth

Dr David Hall of Auckland University makes a valid point in questioning whether gross domestic product (GDP) is the way to measure a country’s progress (How should a country grow?, Nov 6).

Before every election, the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations (CORANZ) compiles and sends political parties and MPs an election charter.

Contained in the 17 points of the charter is the urgent need for a population policy as to size, composition etc. It also says: ‘‘The index for national prosperity Gross Domestic Product (GDP) based solely on economic indicators be replaced by a Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) based on three values: social, environmental and economic to thus fully measure the quality of life.’’ Some economists have already advocated GPI.

The adherents of growth and more growth are like the proverbial dog chasing its tail. But the uncontrolled pursuit of maximum growth brings environmental and social problems. CORANZ believes New Zealand needs urgently to address the need for a population policy and the failings of a GDP-only policy.

Andi Cockroft, CORANZ chairman