Chronology for 1990-current
Kei hea te rito? Bi-culturalising welfare
Multiple waves of welfare reform occur throughout this period in line with changing government leaders and governments. Between November 1990 and 1999 the National Government welfare reforms were made under Ruth Richardson. Economic and Social Initiative (ESI) outlines proposed social and employment policy changes ‘(Jim Bolger, Ruth Richardson and Bill Birch were the authors)’. This led to the Employment Contracts Act 1991, and eligibility and benefit cuts to increase work incentives, work testing and means testing family benefit via new ‘Family Support’ payments.[i] go to footnote
‘Māori welfare dependency rose while incomes decreased to such an extent that in 1990 the average income of Māori households languished at about 20 percent below the average income for New Zealand households as a whole’.[ii] go to footnote The rate of Māori unemployment continued to climb, reaching 25.4 percent of the total Māori workforce in 1992.’[iii] go to footnote By the end of this period the wellbeing of Māori children remained a dominating issue. In July 2020, there were 4,179 tamariki Māori in state care, representing 69 percent of the total care population. By 31 December 2020, Māori comprised 75 percent of the children and young people currently in the Youth Justice custody of the chief executive. This compared to the nine percent in custody who identified as New Zealand European or other.[iv] go to footnote
Between 1999 and 2008 the Fifth Labour Government placed some emphasis on addressing inequalities and family development. A further round of benefit cuts and beneficiary obligations followed with the National Government 2011–2017. This National Government also focused on more targeted spending through adopting a Social Investment approach.
Iwi Māori sought greater control over their welfare. It was a period of growth of post-settlement agreements or accords, where largely settled iwi were engaged in long-term work with different government departments focusing on a range of cultural, social, economic and environmental outcomes for their people.
Chronology events
Displaying 171 - 180 of 270 events.
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Report on institutional racism released
The Ministerial Advisory Committee report revealed that 62% of children in residential homes in the Auckland area were Māori.[i] The Māori Advisory Unit concluded that the Department was racist in the institutional sense; it was a typical, hierarchical bu…
Date: 1985 Period: 1972-1989 -
The Adult Adoption Information Act
Enabled adopted children and birth parents to access information about each other, but allowed birth parents to request a veto on their information so that the child would not have access to the information.[i]
Date: 1985 Period: 1972-1989 -
Waitangi Tribunal powers extended
The Waitangi Tribunal empowered to investigate Treaty claims dating back to 1840.[i]
Date: 1985 Period: 1972-1989 -
Puao-Te-Ata-Tu released
The Minister of Social Welfare Ann Hercus released Puao-te-ata-tu (Report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on a Māori Perspective for Social Welfare) after the end of a special ministerial inquiry led by John Rangihau involving over 60 hui across the …
Date: 1986 Period: 1972-1989 -
Royal Commission on Social Policy established
In 1986 the government established the Royal Commission on Social Policy, which published its report in 1988. This was occurring at the same time as Puao-te-ata- tu. Commissioners appointed were Sir Ivor Richardson [Chair], Ann Ballin, Marion Bruce, Len Co…
Date: 1986 Period: 1972-1989 -
Te Whainga i Te Tika – In Search of Justice
The report of the Advisory Committee on Legal Services raised concerns about: children lacking effective legal protections; young people not understanding what was happening in courtrooms; institutional racism; and identified children and young people unde…
Date: 1986 Period: 1972-1989 -
Mana Enterprises Development Programme
Mana Enterprises Development Programme and MACCESS – Māori Access Schemes – provided small business loans to Māori business initiatives, and subsidised employment schemes tailored to Māori.[i] Te Whānau o Waipareira was designated by the Department of Mao…
Date: 1987 Period: 1972-1989 -
Māori Language Act
Te reo Māori becomes an official language.[i]
Date: 1987 Period: 1972-1989 -
Māori Women's Development Fund
Established by the Māori Women’s Welfare League with a grant from the Mana Enterprise Development Committee.[i]
Date: 1987 Period: 1972-1989 -
NZMC v AG court case
Colloquially known as the 'Lands Case', NZ Māori Council v The Attorney-General is the first time that the Treaty principles are articulated in the Courts, specifically the five principles articulated by the Appeal Court judges.
Date: 1987 Period: 1972-1989
Footnotes
- [i] go to main content Ben Loughrey-Webb, ‘The Welfare Reforms of the Fourth (1990-99) and Fifth (2008-2014) National Governments: A Critical Analysis and Evaluation’, MA Thesis, University of Otago, 2015, pp. 63-8.
- [ii] go to main content Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney, Aroha Harris, Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History, Bridget Williams Books, Wellington, 2014, p. 426.
- [iii] go to main content Tangata Whenua, p. 426.
- [iv] go to main content For this and further examples, see: He Pāharakeke, he Rito Whakakīkinga Whāruarua (justice.govt.nz)