Formation New Zealand Labour Party

the new zealand labour party amalgamation of number of groups, oldest of founded in 1901. process of unifying these diverse groups single party difficult, tensions between different factions running strong.

at turn of century, radical side of new zealand working class politics represented socialist party, founded in 1901. more moderate leftists supporters of liberal party. in 1905, group of working class politicians dissatisfied liberal approach established independent political labour league, managed win seat in parliament in 1908 election. established basic dividing line in new zealand s left-wing politics – socialists tended revolutionary , militant, while moderates focused instead on progressive reform.

in 1910, independent political labour league relaunched organisation called labour party, distinct modern party. soon, however, leaders of new organisation decided additional effort needed promote left-wing cooperation, , organised unity conference . socialists refused attend, several independent labour activists agreed. united labour party born.

soon afterwards, labour movement hit waihi miners strike, major industrial disturbance prompted radicals in union movement. movement split between supporting , opposing radicals, , in end, conservative government of william massey suppressed strike force. in strike s aftermath, there major drive end divisions in movement , establish united front – unity conference called, , time socialists attended. resulting group named social democratic party.

not members of united labour party accepted new organisation, however, , continued on under own banner. gradually, however, differences between social democrats , ulp remnant broke down, , in 1915 formed unified caucus both better oppose reform , differentiate liberals. year later yet gathering held. time, major factions of labour movement agreed unite, establishing modern labour party.

electoral record of constituent parties pre-1916 nzlp