At the heart of the government, linking political desire to action, is the nexus between ministers and their departmental chief executives. From ministers the line of authority runs back to the people through Parliament. From chief executives the line of authority runs forward to the staff who deliver the policy and services determined by the ministers (with help).

Is it time for a restatement of the conventions and principles governing this crucial relationship? Some think so. Others think not but worry that there have been major changes in the way it operates. Still others see no crisis and yet others say there is no significant difference.

Colin James, who has run a programme for the Institute of Policy Studies and the New Zealand Centre for Public Law, chaired a series of forums of ministers, chief executives, other senior public service executives, academics and private sector observers. This book distils the debate at those forums and points ahead.

“[This] is most enlightening and clearly expressed. Anyone with a taste for exploring the top echelons of government should study it.”
Margaret Christensen, Wairarapa Times-Age