While being light on specifics, Mr Robertson told delegates the 2019 Budget would break new ground and take a "different, 21st century approach’’ to tackling issues.
"We have identified five core priorities that will define our first Wellbeing Budget.
"I will announce the detail of these during the Budget Policy Statement next month, but they cover the areas where we think the outcomes will make a substantive difference to both our current and future wellbeing.’’
Growing and modernising the economy and improving the well-being of children were two areas of focus Mr Robertson identified.
He also called traditional methods of tracking financial success, such as GDP growth, "narrow.’’
"We are moving beyond GDP to not just look at our financial health, but also the wellbeing of our people, the health of our environment and the strength of our communities.’’
While making that pledge to the party faithful, Mr Robertson was glancing over his shoulder at the finance sector, being well-mindful that business confidence numbers are low.
"I will still keep a close eye on our finances and a steady hand on the economic wheel,’’ he said.
"We owe that to future generations. But we also owe to them and to all of our communities the chance to live fulfilling and meaningful lives - and to be valued more than just as numbers on a balance sheet.’’
Mr Robertson said a Living Standards Framework, developed by the Treasury and based on the work of the OECD, would be the basis on which the 2019 and subsequent budgets would be drafted.
"It is grounded in core economic concepts to assess the stock of our wellbeing,’’ he said.
"So, you will hear about financial capital, human capital, natural capital and social capital . . . . It will evolve over the coming years, but it is a great way to start thinking about what counts as success.’’
Earlier, Labour deputy leader Kelvin Davis spoke of his upbringing in Kawakawa, and how it grounded him in his role as an MP.
"Growing up on Leonard St, being poor and being in poverty was just the way things were,’’ he said.
"My mates who lived on that street, some have lived a hard, some are in prison, a number have died well before their time.
"My childhood is one of the reasons why I am Labour: it shapes me as a person, it shapes me as an educator, and it shapes me as a member of Parliament . . . poverty has a face, it has names – we are talking about our friends and our whanau.’’
Mr Davis said the Government was tackling hard questions such as housing, child poverty, prison numbers, climate change and reducing inequality.
"Taking on these challenges is the right thing to do.’’
Labour president Nigel Haworth told delegates that they should enjoy their 2017 electoral success, but relax in their efforts.
"This is a conference for celebration . . . however, we must not be complacent.’’
Prof Haworth condemned what he called National’s "sense of entitlement’’ and said Labour should not follow in its footsteps.
"Cornered creatures attack, they attack fiercely, so it will be with National . . . our task is simple, do not rise to their excesses: that is not who we are, we reject those sorts of behaviour.’’
Prof Haworth said that party finances were healthy, and planning and funding was already in place to fight the 2020 election.
He said the party was working towards its long-term financial security, and intended to improve pay and conditions for staff, offer more assistance to volunteers, and create an environment where bullying and harassment would not be tolerated.
Prof Haworth also paid tribute to former party leader Andrew Little, who stepped down soon after last year’s party conference.
"We have enormous respect for his leadership, and respect for the sacrificing personal decision that he made.’’
Party leader, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, delivers her leader’s speech tomorrow at 1.30pm.
