This book provides the first systematic and critical analysis of the reform of the structure, operation, and role of the public sector instituted by New Zealand's fourth Labor Government between 1984 and 1990. The book explores the theoretical basis of the reform program, the nature and content of the changes, the management of the change process, and the problems of implementation. Particular attention is given to the State Owned Enterprises Act 1986, the State Sector Act 1988, and the Public Finance Act 1989.