Local Authority Responses to Unemployment

Abstract

This paper examines the initiatives that local authorities in New Zealand have taken since the late 1970s to facilitate the economic development and employment creation in their districts. The paper examines why local authorities have become involved in both issues, the variation across them in both level and range of initiatives, and levels of effectiveness. Several case studies will highlight a number of the opportunities as well as the difficulties involved. The paper concludes that whilst local authorities have attempted to play a constructive and responsible role, there are still a number of unresolved issues concerning their role in local economic development. This paper argues that local authorities should be involved and have the ability to develop and implement programmes to address local employment issues.