Graham Hassall – författare

The focus of this book is the practice of social policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is intended to complement and update the fourth and final edition of Cheyne et al.’s Social Policy in New Zealand (2008), which pre-dated the three-term tenure of the conservative Key/English governments and their concomitant approaches to social policy.

In the first two decades of the 21st century, both conservative and social democratic governments have had opportunity to conceive and deliver programmes aligned with their fundamental values and concepts. These include the Fifth Labour Government (1999–2008) headed by Helen Clark, the Fifth National Government (2008–17) under John Key and Bill English, and the Sixth Labour Government (2017–) led by Jacinda Ardern.

Appraisals of the policy impacts achieved by alternating approaches to government are offered through each of the chapters on specific policy areas. Each chapter also introduces the reader to the background and context to its central topic, as well as key concepts, ideas and influences, and the main alternate views that have been put forward. In addition to assessing recent experiences, each chapter considers possible future issues that policy-makers may have to contend with.

There has been a general failure to identify priorities and align projects with local needs in ICT/e-government projects. Small Island Developing States (or SIDS) present a unique problem in terms of e-government. Not only do they suffer from a common set of barriers to ICT development such as their remoteness, geographical dispersion, moist tropical climates, largely rural populations, and lack of ICT capacity and infrastructure, but are also dependent on external agencies for investment, and must negotiate with powerful donors who have conflicting agendas.

E-government is widely regarded as ''transformational'', increasing efficiency, productivity, accountability, economic growth, and citizen involvement. But while the governments of SIDS are committed to harnessing ICTs for effective government and economic development, they face major challenges in establishing successful e-government initiatives, due to the problems outlined above, coupled with a lack of HR capacities and appropriate strategies and policies.

Drawing on the experience of the states mentioned above, as well as regional quasi-governmental bodies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), aid agencies, and the private sector, the book will be of interest to researchers and students in the fields of e-government, public administration, political science, communication, information science, and social media.