Supervision in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: Challenges in changing contexts

Abstract

In this article, I report on clinical supervision policy and practice within the profession of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. I begin with an overview of New Zealand with reference to selected social and cultural considerations which impact on social work as a profession. Starting from a premise that supervision is an essential component of professional social work, the mandate for supervision and aspects of education for supervisors are explored. The importance of both cross-cultural and indigenous approaches to supervision within Aotearoa New Zealand is examined with reference to local literature. Developments in supervision policy and practice reflect many of the challenges faced by social work in the political and sociocultural context.