Using an impressive array of statistical data, the report analysed changes in demographic structures in the region, changes in educational achievements and the state of employment and unemployment, changes in income, housing prices, business and occupations, and indicators of social well-being such as crime, housing, health status and the voluntary sector. The survey shows that, over a ten-year period, this region has fallen behind the rest of New Zealand in terms of its social and economic quality of life. Specifically:
— there is a reducing proportion of young people in the region
— there are increasing levels of dependence
— the population is less well-educated, with this trend increasing
— the economy of the region and the social well-being of the residents is falling behind the rest of New Zealand
— there are increased disadvantages for those living in rural area and small towns
— there are marked disadvantages for the health, education and employment for young people in the region

Source — Provincial/Rural Impact Study prepared for Zone 2 of Local Government NZ by Portal Consulting and Assoc. March 1999

Blake: "There are problems with the population centralising into Auckland with all its infrastructural hassles. The Government can set the scene which makes it just as easier for businesses to operate in Tokoroa, Gisborne, Taranaki, the South Island or wherever. In many of these areas there are ample and good facilities in place to cope with an increase in population and business activities. Often it would be cheaper — for a whole host of reasons — for businesses to relocate to the regions.

"Governments in recent times have just been ignoring these options. There needs to be a total rethink in the way we are planning things like economic development and training programmes. We need to sit down together and look at it in a partnership way…"

Source — Local Government New Zealand meeting notes on the Portal report.

Source — The New Zealand Herald 8 September 1999 "Jobs now top issue ahead of health"

Marshall: "I suppose it's not dreadfully sexy and it's not as easy to trivialise as those other more emotive issues — but, more importantly, neither their policies nor track records can stand too much scrutiny, so it's not too clever for most to raise a profile in the employment stakes. Nowhere do I see any politician talking about the employment effects of welfare policy, of tax policy, of environmental policy, of accident compensation policy etc. Surely it's time that we did."

" Over the past 10 years we have seen some quite big moves in the right direction on employment policy — with some very impressive results. No, things are not all perfect … and yes, we could be doing better — but, be assured, if we had not been given the Employment Contracts Act as a new industrial relations framework in 1991 we would be in a much worse position than we are today. How are people feeling about their lot? Beneficiaries, and unfortunately many of the elderly, continue to be pretty negative. In many areas the victim mentality is alive and well. But for those in employment, which is still the majority of the adult population, it's a very different picture…"

Marshall quotes an AC Nielsen research survey that reports 84% of NZ workers saying that they like their job, 75% are satisfied with their conditions of employment, 74% think their employer is OK, and 70% are feeling pretty positive about their job security.

Source — Steve Marshall Chief Executive New Zealand Employers' Federation speech to the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson, Parkroyal Hotel, Wellington Wednesday 8 September 1999

Staff told North & South they are more concerned about stress from the work levels in the department. One staff member: "Everything here is rush, rush, rush, like we work on a conveyor belt. We're trained to do that, but it means we have to work very hard. It used to take three weeks to process a benefit application, now we do it in 24 hours. We work so hard … the culture is stress to the max. There are going to be breakdowns. Somebody will eventually die because of the stress…"

Ritchie says that beneficiaries come away from Winz being told they are being paid the legal maximum. They then go to an advice or advocacy service which goes through their circumstances, measures them against Winz manuals and statutory requirements and often finds Winz has overlooked one or more supplementary benefits. The Central Region Advocacy Service, which Ritchie helped to establish, has had a caseload of 800 beneficiaries since October 1st last year. The service's volunteer staff have been able to get higher payments, or reinstated payments, for more than 500 of them.

Ritchie: "Their initial thrust is to tell people they are not entitled to more, whether it's food, power bills, school fees or whatever. But many people are. We've been told that word came down from the top that people were not to be told their full entitlement unless they ask. They've always officially denied this, but it's so widespread throughout Winz offices that it must be correct."

Source — North & South October 1999 "Winz of Change" by David McLoughlin

Maharey: "The department needs a fresh start. We will establish a public service ethic in Winz, with clear direction from the Government on the management style required. There will be fundamental changes to the way Winz operates. Staff will be directed to ensure beneficiaries get their full entitlements. Internal re-organisation will restore a clear distinction between the Winz employment and income support functions, because it makes no sense to treat all beneficiaries as job seekers. Labour will break down bureaucratic rigidity in the department and fix weaknesses, such as the lack of a proper complaints resolution process …"

Maharey: "The difference between Labour and National on welfare is clear. National blames individuals and families for being poor and out-of-work. They slashed benefits, distorted benefit fraud figures, bullied beneficiaries to look for non-existent jobs and drew up the insulting Code of Social Responsibility. They created an underclass, and they despise their own creation.

"Labour knows welfare is an option very few people want to take. Our policy does not begin with blame. We focus on creating opportunities by removing obstacles to training, gaining qualifications and getting a job. Labour's vision is of an enabling welfare state, building the capacity of individuals, families and communities to participate in the mainstream of New Zealand life…"

Source — The New Zealand Herald 9 September 1999 "Labour targets big spenders at Winz"; press release from Steve Maharey and Helen Clark 8 September 1999 "Welfare for the 21st century"

(— Electorate statistics compiled by Judy Reinken, and based on 1996 Census).

Source — Judy Reinken, statistics based on 1996 Census of Population and Dwellings

One of the researchers, Dr Simon Hatcher, says his theory is that the increased rate amongst younger men is due to economic problems and the disproportionate distribution of wealth affecting them more than other groups. He says that in the Depression of the 1930s, older men dominated the suicide statistics because they were the ones most likely to be thrown out of work. Now, he says, it is the younger ones taking their own lives, as they face a more difficult entry into the workforce.

Source — The New Zealand Herald 8 September 1999 "Suicide up to levels of 1930s bad years" by Martin Johnson