The Ministry of Social Welfare in New Zealand was first established in 1972-1973. In the beginning, the trend in welfare was very different from today. In recent decades, governments had welfare responsibilities, but today, due to globalization and the discontent of New Zealanders, the level of responsibilities has increased. The government must also adapt to the rapid evolution of the country. New Zealand's welfare state covers health, social protection and education. The government's responsibility is economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being. Central government and local authorities have equal responsibilities. In recent decades, emphasis has been placed on income maintenance. Previously, more money was spent on health and education than on income support. During the colonial period (1850s to 1890s), education and health were at the provincial level and provided through NGOs, religious organizations and the private sector. Central government roles were limited to funding and monitoring private and provincial systems. The Ministry of Public Health was previously the Ministry of Health and local education boards managed the education system. In the 1900s and 1940s, the central government began to change its trends in the roles of health and welfare education. After the war, the baby boom increased the growth rate of education and housing. Over the past 160 years, life expectancy has continued to increase due to changing lifestyles and medical advances. For example, retirement benefits are now set at age 65, which will help improve living standards and improve well-being. The change in trend increases the benefits in terms of health and physical and mental well-being. This increase...... middle of paper ......study of aging in Aotearoa New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.ewas.net.nz2) McAllister, F. (2005). Concepts and challenges of well-being. Retrieved from http://www.sd-research.org.uk3) Backhouse, M. (2013). Census data revealed: New Zealand's population reaches 4.24 million. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/4) Clark, C. M. (2005). Relationships between social support and physical health. Retrieved from http://www.personalityresearch.org/5) Shircore, R. (2009). Promoting health and well-being: reducing inequalities. Retrieved from www.rsph.org.uk/download.cfm?6) Nash, M. (2007). History of ANZASW. Retrieved from http://anzasw.org.nz/7) Carpinter, P. (2012). History of the Welfare State in New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.treasury.govt.nz/8) Blick, J. (2010). Determining Your Left from Right: An Explanation of Left and Right Wing. Retrieved from http://thecasualtruth.com