15. From Policy to Practice: What It Takes to Build a Wellbeing Economy with WEAll Aotearoa

What would it take to redesign the economy around care, reciprocity, community, and ecological wellbeing? In this conversation, Tiyana speaks with Sally from WEAll Aotearoa about the wellbeing economy movement, the alignment between wellbeing economies and Māori worldviews, and why economic transformation must be grounded in place, long-term thinking, and collective flourishing. Together, they explore the limits of GDP, the role of government and business in systems change, the promise of future generations legislation, and the practical examples already showing us that another economy is possible.Sally is a community builder and wellbeing economy advocate, currently working with WEAll Aotearoa as Knowledge and Engagement Lead. With a background in social policy research, public engagement, and systems change, Sally’s work focuses on redesigning the economy so it serves people and planet rather than endless growth. Through WEAll Aotearoa, she helps advance research, storytelling, policy advocacy, and movement-building for a wellbeing economy grounded in care, reciprocity, place, and Māori economic leadership.Voices of the New Economy is a collaborative storytelling project of NENA. The podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network (HCN), an Anchor Organisation of NENA, as part of its commitment to strengthening economic literacy, amplifying community innovation, and supporting pathways to systemic change. Each episode features researchers, practitioners, organisers, and everyday changemakers working across disciplines and communities to re-imagine how our economies can serve people and planet.LISTEN & EXPLORE FURTHERA full companion article for this episode is available here.Connect with NENA: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInConnect with Humanitarian Changemakers Network (HCN): Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInGet involved: NENA members and friends are warmly invited to participate in the podcast — as interviewees, storytellers, or contributors to the NENA Storytelling Hub. To get involved, visit the Hub page or email: [email protected]