Monitoring the impact of social policy, 1980-2001: Report on significant policy events
Abstract
This report maps significant social policy events in New Zealand for the 1980-2001 period, with a focus on those affecting family wellbeing in New Zealand. The report is part of the Family and Whānau Wellbeing Project (FWWP), a five-year research project funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. Primary data sources were annual Budget addresses and triennial Treasury briefings to incoming governments, supplemented by departmental briefs and other sources.
The report is divided into five chapters, serving to delineate significant policy shifts in the areas of social security, employment, health, education and housing. Within each social policy area, information is presented in three sections:
- Quick-reference chronological tables of historical key events
- Detailed version of events for each period drawn from the Budget speeches and departmental briefs
- Background material on social policy, where appropriate (and available), that describes the evolution of government departments.
Author: Stephen McTaggart, Department of Sociology, The University of Auckland
