Michael Pickford examines the changing approach of the New Zealand Transport Agency towards assessing the economic efficiency of state highway projects. He emphasises that since 2003 there has been a gradual shift away from reliance on the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) in favour of ‘strategic fit’ and ‘effectiveness’ as favourable project attributes. He argues that this...

This study uses data from a birth cohort of New Zealand-born 30-year-olds to examine gender differences in time use and satisfaction with time use. The specific aims of the study are: to examine gender difference in time spent in paid employment and unpaid work; to examine the extent to which males and females are satisfied...

The article explores the vital contribution of the community and voluntary sector as a voice for the voiceless and as a conduit of information about society’s unmet needs. The challenge, however, is that these roles are being severely constrained by the heavy dependence of the voluntary sector on government funding, as well as the particular...

How should governments make effective use of research that examines the costs of a ‘less than healthy’ start to life? Are there any ‘free efficiency lunches’ to be had by improving intervention processes in early childhood health and education? On the surface at least, health and education are prime areas for improved efficiency gains because...

This article discusses the powers available to local authorities in regard to restrictions on sales and extension of smoke-free areas, the potential for any bylaws to be challenged, and the likely issues arising. Introduction In March 2011 the New Zealand government agreed to the recommendation that it ‘aim for tobacco consumption and smoking prevalence to...