New Zealand Social Work: Contexts and Practice (2001)

Marie Connolly (Ed), Oxford University Press.

New Zealand Social Work provides the first comprehensive and up-to-date examination of social work theory and practice in New Zealand. Taking a broad approach, the book explores the context of social work in New Zealand, tracing its history and the knowledge base that has shaped its development. In discussing the challenges of practicing social work in New Zealand, it addresses issues of culture, gender and violence. The emphasis on field practice and development is a particular strength of the book, and critical and professional issues are explored. The fields of practice covered by the book include child welfare, health and mental health, criminal justice, and the developing not-for-profit area.

New Zealand Social Work contains excellent introductory material from some of New Zealand’s most experienced social work educators and practitioners, and will be an indispensable text for students of social work and anyone who wishes to understand New Zealand social work in context.

Ken McMaster has contributed two chapters to this book, one on family violence and the other on men in social work.