Foreword
As I write the Foreword to the third issue of the Social Policy Journal of New Zealand I am conscious of the enormous breadth and scope within the social policy arena. With each edition, the range of topics grows, we draw on a wider group of social policy commentators, and our readership continues to increase. I am certain that the excellent papers included in this edition will continue this trend and provide thoughtful, and often frank and topical, insights into important social policy issues facing New Zealand.
Jonathan Boston's article on the implications of changes in the New Zealand electoral system for social policy is particularly topical given the advance of MMP. Vasantha Krishnan's analysis of trends affecting the New Zealand labour force, together with its comparisons with Australian labour market and social security policies, is of interest given the imminent release of the report of the Employment Task Force. Michael Webb's consideration of possible policy responses to fetal alcohol exposure throws light on a topic that has until now received little policy consideration. Joshua Weiner's critique of "managed competition" in health reform in America provides useful insights into how other countries approach health delivery and funding. Michael Player's review of the communication document "Welfare to Well-being" reminds us of the importance for setting cross-sectoral, outcome-focused social policy goals and of the necessity for communicating these to the public.
In the area of Māori social policy themes, Whetu Werata analyses Māori demographic trends and their implications for social policy. Hekia Parata considers the basis for effective Māori policy development with full participation of Māori in the development of a healthy and wealthy New Zealand society. Irihapeti Ramsden provides a frank and personal insight into Māori cultural breakdown and the challenge for the education system to help create a "confident, feisty, articulate, versatile, challenging and politically viable indigenous people".
Crime continues as theme from earlier editions, with an article by Julie Liebrich which looks at the "realities of going straight". Dame Ann Ballin (for five years) chair of New Zealand's Victims Task Force) reviews papers presented at the recent Victimology Symposium held in Adelaide.
This issue also includes excerpts from two publications commissioned by the Social Policy Agency to celebrate 100 years of women's franchise in New Zealand. One is by Ann Beaglehole, on women and social security, and the other is by Lisa Davies and Natalie Jackson, on women's participation in the workforce.
The third edition is the first subscription edition. The level of subscription inquiries would suggest that there is a high level of demand for the Journal. However, I am conscious that there may be some groups who may have difficulty covering the subscription. Copies of the Journal can be obtained from public libraries, as well as from libraries at universities, polytechs, training colleges and many government departments. Copies can also be loaned from the Department of Social Welfare library, or directly from the Social Policy Agency.
We welcome material for future editions, and any comments that you may have regarding the Journal, ideas for improvements, and topics and themes that you would like to see developed in future articles.
David A. Preston
General Manager
Social Policy Agency
