
POLSC102-19B (TGA)
New Zealand Politics and Policy
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
Justin Phillips
3586
TCBD.4.03
To be advised
justin.phillips@waikato.ac.nz
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Librarian(s)
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
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Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
- For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
- For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
Paper Description
This course introduces you to democracy, government and policy making in New Zealand. It begins by looking at the key institutions of government - cabinet, parliament and the judiciary - and examines the role and function of each. It covers elections and the role of interest groups and lobbyists in influencing government decisions, as well as the capacity for citizens to be involved. It thus provides a foundation for understanding how democracy in New Zealand works, and how it influences policies in areas such as international affairs, environmental policy, Maori development, and in social policy areas such as health care and housing. Policy making in these areas is political, and the course will help you to begin to understand these politics. Why is it that some problems attract government attention, and why are some solutions adopted while others are not? In examining these types of questions, the paper prepares you for the further study of politics and public policy.
Paper Structure
As well as lecture and tutorial attendance, course work for this paper includes weekly assignments, two essays, and two tests. The expected workload for the paper is a total of 150 hours during the semester. The teaching of this paper is supported online using Moodle. To access Moodle you will need to log onto iWaikato and follow the link under ‘Key Links’, or go to elearn.waikato.ac.nz.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:
Assessment
In addition to attending classes, you are expected to read materials and complete assignments as indicated below. You are responsible for reading the assigned material before coming to the class meeting. You are also responsible for keeping up with national policy debates through reading newspapers, the Internet, or following current affairs on television or radio.
Assessment Components
The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam.
Required and Recommended Readings
Required Readings
Recommended Readings
Hayward, J., ed. 2015. New Zealand Government and Politics (6th Edition). South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press.
Stone, Deborah. 1997. Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making. New York: W.W. Norton.
Other Resources
The following is a list of journals (available on the Library website) that may be useful to you:
Policy Quarterly (a New Zealand publication)
Public Administration
Journal of Public Policy
Policy Sciences
Policy Studies Journal
Australian Journal of Public Administration
Governance
Online Support
The teaching of this paper is supported online using Moodle. To access Moodle you will need to log onto iWaikato and follow the link under ‘Key Links’ or go to elearn.waikato.ac.nz.
Workload
Linkages to Other Papers
Restriction(s)
Restricted papers: POLS105