When the invisible hand rocks the cradle: New Zealand children in a time of change

This paper investigates the impact of economic and social reforms in New Zealand since the mid-1980s on the well-being of children. These reforms were among the most sweeping in scope and scale in any industrialized democracy. Their impact has not been systematically monitored by government. The paper outlines the reforms and associated changes in the situation of New Zealand children. The reforms have not led to an overall improvement in the well-being of children. There has been widening inequality between ethnic and income groups which has left many Mäori and Pacific children, and children from one parent and poorer families, relatively worse off. Government agencies have had difficulties in addressing the impact on children. There have been advances made since the mid-1990s, when the pace of the reform process slowed. The New Zealand experience illustrates the vulnerability of children during periods of social upheaval and change and the importance of having effective mechanisms to monitor, protect and promote the interests of children.