Labour

Labour started its life as a party of change - a voice for the working classes who believed that a fairer future was possible.

From those first beginnings in 1916 Labour was quick to grow. It broadened its policies and membership to reflect the aspirations of all those who wanted to change New Zealand for the better. And those values continue today.

When Michael Joseph Savage led Labour to a sweeping victory in 1935, he promised major changes. Over the next few years Labour introduced a series of measures which have become fundamentals of New Zealand society and culture.

For the first time access to health care became affordable for all. The State assumed a major responsibility to provide low cost housing to those in need. A comprehensive social welfare system gave support and security to the elderly, the sick, and those without employment.

Access was opened to secondary and tertiary education. The New Zealand economy was transformed and unemployment was reduced dramatically. Workers also benefited from the introduction of the 40 hour week, and legislation making it easier for unions to negotiate on their behalf.

Under Michael Savage, Labour formed an enduring partnership with Maori. Labour began the process whereby redress was made for the wrongs of the past, the particular needs of Maori were addressed, and the unique qualities of Maori culture could be both recognised and fostered.

In 1940 Peter Fraser became Prime Minister. The contributions of the armed services during World War Two were immense, as were those of civilians. Labour sought to ensure that the burdens of war were equally shared.

Between 1945 and 1949 Labour presided over the rebuilding of a prosperous peacetime society. Peter Fraser also played a major role in the establishment of the United Nations. Successive Labour Governments have built upon the foundations laid down by Savage and Fraser.

From 1957 to 1960 the Walter Nash Labour Government continued the progressive foreign policies of the first Labour Government, by championing the interests of smaller countries. In 1960, the introduction of Equal Pay for Women for Equal Work in the Public Service paved the way for its full adoption four years later.

Norman Kirk and Bill Rowling led the third Labour Government from 1972 to 1975. Kirk's decision in 1973 to bar a racially selected Springbok team from entry was a major step towards building a more mature national identity of our own. Another of their lasting legacies was the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), a body that to this day continues to support kiwis so they can return to health as early as possible, regain independence, and participate in the community.

The Fourth Labour Government (1984-1990), led successively by David Lange, Geoffrey Palmer and Mike Moore took difficult and long overdue decisions necessary for the modernisation of the New Zealand Economy. Lange clarified on the world stage New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance, which gained New Zealand great international respect. And in 1985 the Waitangi Tribunal's powers were extended to cover Crown acts and omissions dating back to 1840.

Even in the periods between 1951 and 1984 when Labour was out of office its ideas were often centre stage. Successive National Governments admitted that they held power by "stealing Labour's clothes". However the National Government of the 1990s ended this by adopting extremist policies in industrial relations and economic management.

When the Helen Clark lead Fifth Labour Government was elected in 1999, New Zealand turned the corner. Labour transformed the economy and rebuilt essential public services. It led on building New Zealand's identity as an inclusive nation - projecting its values of peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion to the world. And it lead on vital sustainability issues.

The Fifth Labour Government maintained a commitment to strengthening the economy, supporting our families, funding the very best education and health systems possible, supporting older New Zealanders, supporting the Maori renaissance which is such a strength to our country, and valuing the contribution of Pasifika, Asian, and all other peoples who now call New Zealand home. New Zealand is now a stronger, better place.

Labour is optimistic for New Zealand's future, and with your support we will carry on our work for all Kiwis, and lead New Zealand to that future.

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