“The Bolger government was a complete failure.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Bolger government was more of a failure than a success. Candidates may discuss the economic problems experienced by New Zealand at the time Bolger came to power. The Bolger government had to bail out the Bank of New Zealand by borrowing nearly a billion dollars. To stabilize the economy, Bolger dramatically cut public spending in the areas of education, welfare and hospitals. Candidates may argue these cuts were essential due to the economic situation. The Employment Contracts Act (ECA) made union membership voluntary, which led to significantly reduced union membership. The Building Act of 1991, which led to more self-regulations in the building trade, is often regarded as the cause of the Leaky Homes Crisis which cost the New Zealand government billions of dollars. At this time there were discussions of New Zealand becoming a republic. Some ties with the British crown were broken, for example ending the honours system. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.