Red Papers on New Zealand.

Series One May 1976. Retailing at $1.50

Reviewed by Anthony Ward

The publication of 'Red Papers on New Zealand' is a major event. The purpose, according to the Preface, is "to bring together Marxist papers representing the postwar developments in the analysis of New Zealand capitalism". The Marxist Publishing Group ends the Preface with a "broader objective of advancing the development of revolutionary Marxist theory and practice".

One can but applaud the aims. If the results, as I shall argue, fall short of these goals this underlines the need for more work in the area. The effort and enterprise are commendable.

The "Red Papers" cover a wide variety of topics, contributed by a variety of writers. The topics split loosely into three areas: alternative analyses of New Zealand history; contemporary analysis of New Zealand society; and notes with particular reference for the question of foreign control.