This article describes the reforms to the functions of central government in New Zealand that have been introduced since 1985. It sketches the political and economic situation which motivated the changes to the systems of public management. Some of the theoretical influences that provided...

PART 1. PURPOSE AND PROLOGUE -- Chapter 1. Owning and Owing -- Chapter 2. From Warfare to Welfare in Three Generations -- PART 2. ACCOUNTING FOR GOVERNMENT -- Chapter 3. Why Government Accounting Matters -- Chapter 4. What Does the Government Balance Sheet Look Like? -- Chapter 5. Why Accrual...

In the early 1990s, the New Zealand government started publishing a balance sheet and operating statement, using private sector accounting and reporting. These reports --the first such sovereign accounts anywhere-- typify reforms instituted across government trading operating, departments, and...