Assuring our future: It’s time for action

Abstract

Public-sector programme evaluation in New Zealand has advanced significantly since the early 1990s, with growth in evaluation activity, improved service quality, and establishment of a formal training pathway and a national governance body. However, there is evidence of emerging challenges, particularly with respect to supply, quality, transparency, and leadership. This article briefly explores the evolution of evaluation in New Zealand and recent developments, and suggests that there may be some emerging challenges to the sustainability of our current operating model.