Old-age pensions in New Zealand, 1840-1972

Abstract

This thesis investigates the history of the provision of pensions to the aged by the New Zealand Government. The two major events discussed are the Old Age Pensions Act of 1898, which is examined mainly through New Zealand Parliamentary Debates and contemporary newspapers, and the Social Security Act of 1938, which is illuminated by extensive use of the resources of the Nash Papers. The author, emphasising the continuity of themes in New Zealand history, puts forward the following general interpretation of the events he recounts. The character of New Zealand was shaped by its early settlers, who were pragmatists seeking primarily economic security. To achieve this, the colonists turned first to their colonising association and then to government. The central role of government was accepted by all political parties, and the differences between them were those of interest, not ideology. Accordingly, no differences of principle divided the supporters and opponents of old-age pensions, and it is misleading to view the conflict between them in traditional liberal-conservative terms.