Third Government (1972–1975) and opposition New Zealand Labour Party

new zealand labour 1970s–1980s l logo

kirk proved energetic prime minister, , introduced number of new policies. particularly noteworthy foreign policy stances, included strong criticism of nuclear weapons testing , of south africa s apartheid system. kirk s health poor, however, , worsened refusal slow pace of work. in 1974, kirk taken ill , died. replaced bill rowling, did not have same appeal – in 1975 election, labour defeated national, led robert muldoon.

rowling remained leader of labour party time after defeat. in 1978 election , 1981 election, labour won larger share of vote national, failed win equivalent number of seats. rowling himself compared unfavourably muldoon, , did not cope muldoon s aggressive style. rowling replaced david lange, caucus perceived more charismatic. in 1984 election, labour victorious.