Ministry of Works and Development staff

Ministry of Works and Development staff

Historically, the state has played an important part in developing the New Zealand economy. For many years the Public Works Department (later renamed the Ministry of Works and Development) undertook most major construction work in New Zealand, including roads and power stations. After the reform of the state sector, beginning in 1984, the ministry disappeared and its remnants now have to compete for government work. This photograph shows members of the Ministry of Works and Development architecture division in Wellington participating in a ‘bad tie’ competition in 1984.