Corporatized pressure groups in the welfare state

Abstract

The welfare policies of New Zealand have been a focus of attention internationally since the turn of the century. This has been particularly true as Government in the modern state has become more pluralistic as its policies cover a broader range of public concerns. The numerous local bodies and semi-governmental organizations in New Zealand can be seen as an indicator of the diffusion of Government's authority and responsibility. Almost a thousand local authorities, government-sponsored companies, and public or semi-public corporations play a part in directing public policy today in New Zealand. Yet at few stages in New Zealand's development has much thought been given to administrative organization. The emphasis has been one of getting a job done rather than establishing a logical administrative framework to house this proliferation of policy-making. By the route of ad hoc application to current needs, influential bodies such as the producer boards have been allowed to grow unrelated to one another. Without conscious direction towards unity, New Zealand's agricultural sector -- the presently most vital in this dependent economy -- has become a welter of isolated empires steering their own industries with very little formal rudder of Government national policy.