Government provision of welfare in Aotearoa New Zealand: We're doing it wrong

Abstract

The paper examines the provision of welfare by the government in New Zealand and suggests that: the monetisation of welfare has led to the concept of welfare being so narrowly defined that it has lost its original meaning and intent; the provision of welfare in New Zealand requires fundamental review, and that with the establishment in legislation of appropriate underpinning principles and identification of the basic needs that welfare should meet, the currently required obligations in welfare are not necessary; and that the provision of welfare should be depoliticised to enable it to be provided using a rights-based approach that honours New Zealand’s international obligations and ensures welfare services are provided in the same manner as other services provided by the government from taxation.