Urban affairs in New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of the decision-making processes from which emerge the pattern and form of New Zealand’s “growth and development”. Involving three distinct but interrelated sections the analysis examines the nature of the relations which exist between “government” and “private” interests and the effect of decisions taken in both spheres for areas of concern such as regional development, local and regional planning, and the provision of housing. Decisions are seen to reflect processes whereby competing centres of influence negotiate with one another while, at the same time, attempting to manoeuvre into positions of competitive advantage.

The first section involves an examination of the monetary policies of successive National administrations during the nineteen sixties and early seventies. This provides a framework within which to understand not only the effects of central government financial policies on private institutional investment decisions but also the repercussions of these decisions for New Zealand’s “growth and development”. The section also compares the respective economic and financial philosophies of the Labour and National Parties and their differing views on the extent to which central government should intervene in “private” decisions.

Subsequent sections examine Labour’s attempts to implement its “social” policies between 1972 and 1975. This involves a detailed account of the measures adopted by Labour to implement its housing policies. This empirical material is examined by a case study of a Hamilton City boundary extension proposal. It provides insight into the “strategy” adopted by one local authority to strengthen its negotiating position in relation to both central government and “private” interests. By using its statutory powers and position in the Hamilton Regional Planning Authority the Council attempted to pressure the Labour Government to commit itself to local and regional planning policies and to provide additional financial assistance to the City for the provision of services.