Abstract:
Decentralisation, Devolution and Equity: Lessons from New Zealand New Zealand's decentralisation and devolution initiatives are advanced as changes 'in administration which will lead to more effective delivery of education by devolution to the community, and the promotion of excellence and equity in the areas of ethnicity, gender and class' (Marshall and Peters, 1991: 46). Case study data are presented from one setting to show that the notion of community on which these initiatives are premised, is flawed. Community participation in schooling is not a panacea for injustices in the education system. Consequently, significant injustices continue. The paper concludes with an discussion of some serious implications for Australia.