Social Work in Aotearoa New Zealand Exploring fields of practice

All social work students face decisions about where they will undertake the minimum 120 days of field placement required during their study, as well as which field of practice to work in upon graduation. This helpful book introduces students to five fields of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students can watch in-depth interviews with practitioners about their field of practice, read text and view photographs and graphics relating to each domain. Based on the current policy and legislative climate in which social workers operate, it gives inspirational, up-to-date and unique insights into social work environments, including working with youth, youth justice, women’s health, community faith-based work and adult mental health. Together, the book and the accompanying videos allow students to get a real feel for life as a social work graduate.

Dr Kathryn Hay is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Field Education in the School of Social Work at Massey University. She is a registered social worker and a member of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers. Dr Michael Dale has been a senior lecturer in the Social Work and Social Policy Programme at Massey’s University’s School of Social Work since 2001 and has 33 years’ work experience within the social services sector. Lareen Cooper is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Head of School in the Social Work and Social Policy programme at Massey University’s School of Social Work. She has worked at Massey for nine years, and has an extensive background in health services management.