A round-up of recent public finance stories from the Asia Pacific you might have missed.

New Zealand ranked first in the world for social and environmental progress

New Zealand has come first in a global index that ranks countries by social and environmental performance rather than economic output in a drive to make social progress a priority for politicians and businesses. (The Guardian)

Reform or stagnate, RBA chief Glenn Stevens warns

Australia needs to tackle the same economic reforms it is urging other G20 nations to implement if it is to avoid economic stagnation, Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens has warned. (The Australian)

Aussie treasury boss cites NZ lesson

Australia's Treasury boss has cited New Zealand tax changes as a lesson for Australia to boost its flagging economy. (MSN NZ)

China extends tax break program to spur economy

The Chinese government on Wednesday announced a modest package of economic stimulus measures, the latest sign of concern by Beijing that growth may be slowing more than expected. (The New York Times)

Malaysia: Fiscal deficit has not impeded growth of country, says Najib

The country's long-standing fiscal deficit since the 1990s has not stunted the development of the economy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told Parliament this week. (The Malaysian Insider)

Lax guidance feeds Afghan corruption; report says billions in aid wasted
The US government’s top watchdog for Afghan reconstruction says the State Department’s failure to provide guidance over the use of billions of dollars in US funds for rebuilding projects is exacerbating problems with rampant corruption ahead of the much-anticipated US troop pullout. (Washington Times)