The implications of government reform in New Zealand for the Canadian agri-food sector

Abstract

This is a report about the development and delivery of economic and policy analysis in the agriculture and agri-food sector in New Zealand and how government reform has affected this activity. This report was prepared to assist the federal government of Canada in its decisions regarding the future of its current Policy Branch in its agricultural ministry, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). In 1994 the Office of the Auditor General of Canada published a report Toward Better Governance in which it examined the New Zealand experience in the reform of its public service. In the February 1995 Budget the Federal Government in Canada indicated that the Economic and Policy Analysis Directorate (EPAD) was a candidate for privatisation. This report examines how managerial reform in government along with economic reform has affected the development and delivery of economic and policy analysis in government and in industry in New Zealand. It highlights issues relevant to Canada as Canadian governments deal with reform and privatization of activities traditionally supplied by government.