Massey University was the first New Zealand university to offer a social work degree, 40 years ago. This book is published to mark that milestone. Relevant to all social workers today, its chapters highlight the political and social backdrop against which the profession has developed over the past four decades. It also casts a critical eye over the key issues and trends that continue to preoccupy the profession, policy-makers, politicians, the media and, indeed, the general populace. Its detailed bibliography highlights the remarkable and influential body of work of Massey social work students, staff and alumni since 1976.