Client: Ministry of Social Development

Date: November 2005

Author(s): Jason Leung-Wai; Dr Ganesh Nana

This report provides an analysis and review of the current extent of inequalities in outcomes or opportunity within New Zealand.  It includes information at an aggregate level, and between and within groups across the New Zealand Population.  The report focuses on existing information over the last 20 years that is publicly available.  A key finding was that inequalities, in general have reduced in recent years.  Inequalities are more apparent in absolute terms, whereas in relative terms outcomes have moved closer to the population average.  Analysis of distribution within sub-groups, particularly ethnicity, is not readily available.  The report suggests that intra-group inequalities are generally wider for those groups who also report below-average outcomes as a group.  The Ministry aims to use the report to inform their work programme on inequalities.

BERL#4405