Political Influence on Public-Private Partnerships in the Public Health Sector in New Zealand

• Published in: International journal of public administration Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 179 - 188
• Main Authors: Asquith, Andy, Brunton, Margaret, Robinson, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Routledge 23-02-2015; Marcel Dekker, Inc
• Subjects: Effectiveness; Efficiency; Government spending; Health care industry; Health policy; health sector; Health services; New Zealand; Partnership; Political Power; Procurement; Public expenditure; Public Health; Public private partnerships; Public Sector; Public Sector Private Sector Relations; Public Services; Public-private partnership; Public-private sector cooperation; Purchasing; Services; Studies; New Zealand; PSE, New Zealand
• ISSN: 0190-0692; 1532-4265
• DOI: 10.1080/01900692.2014.929590

The purpose of this article is highlight the influences on the performance of public-private partnership organizations established to provide procurement services for public-sector organizations. The findings provide evidence of some values-based fracturing in public-private partnerships in the New Zealand public sector. However, it is the impact of political influence that illustrates significant potential to undermine effectiveness and efficiency. This case suggests there are innovative approaches which can be adopted-other than traditional models of public expenditure-yet still providing a sustainable public health service. Finally the case argues for the importance of appropriate political understanding of the changing scenarios.