A Study on Policymaking in New Zealand: AnExploratory Study of Two Cases

Abstract

This thesis seeks to explore why some issues are more prominent than others. I seek to find out why the debate on Genetic Engineering featured so prominently; whilst Nano-molecular Technology (NMT) received little if no attention when it comes to its government policy formulation. Using Agenda Setting Theory and Veto Player Theory, I seek to explain the differences between the policy debate processes and its outcomes for the GM and NMT. The findings of this thesis suggest Agenda Setting Theory failed to account for the lack of change in policy on the issue of Genetic Engineering. It is argued that Veto Player Theory is a better model for explaining policy outcomes and predicting the likelihood of policy changes.