The Kiwi dream of ‘work hard, live well’ is falling to pieces | Stuff.co.nz

A new report from the Helen Clark Foundation shows that our social cohesion has dropped across every dimension measured: sense of belonging, sense of worth, social inclusion and justice, participation, and acceptance and rejection.⁠ ⁠ The idea that New Zealand gives you a fair shot — that if you work hard, you’ll build something — has always been part of how we see ourselves. The report shows that belief is starting to crack.⁠ ⁠ Fewer than half of us now think hard work actually pays off. For a growing number, it feels like the rules have changed — quietly, but permanently.⁠ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stuff NZ is New Zealand’s essential news source — bringing you live, lively and trustworthy journalism from every corner of Aotearoa. Stay informed with breaking news, in-depth stories, and the latest updates that matter to Kiwis. We upload daily, keeping you connected with the people, places and issues shaping New Zealand today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social media channels: TikTok:   / nzstuff   Instagram:   / nzstuff