Third Labour Government of New Zealand
| Third Labour Government | |
|---|---|
| ministries of New Zealand | |
| 1972–1975 | |
| Date formed | 8 December 1972 |
| Date dissolved | 12 December 1975 |
| People and organisations | |
| Head of government |
Norman Kirk (1972-1974) Bill Rowling (1974-1975) |
| Deputy head of government |
Hugh Watt (1972-1974) Bob Tizard (1974-1975) |
| Head of state | Elizabeth II |
| Member party | Labour Party |
| Opposition party | National Party |
| Opposition leader |
|
| History | |
| Election(s) | |
| Predecessor | Second National Government of New Zealand |
| Successor | Third National Government of New Zealand |
The Third Labour Government of New Zealand was the government of New Zealand from 1972 to 1975. During its time in office, it carried out a wide range of reforms in areas such as overseas trade, farming, public works, energy generation, local government, health, the arts, sport and recreation, regional development, environmental protection, education, housing, and social welfare. Māori also benefited from revisions to the laws relating to land, together with a significant increase in a Māori and Island Affairs building programme. In addition, the government encouraged biculturalism and a sense of New Zealand identity. The government lasted for one term before being defeated a year after the death of its popular leader, Norman Kirk. It was the last of the traditional New Zealand Labour governments.
The government's most significant policies concerned attempts to create a distinct New Zealand identity, both internally and in the world. For most of its history, New Zealand had been, economically, culturally and politically, highly dependent on Britain. This began to change during World War II, when it became clear that Britain was no longer able to defend its former colonies in the Pacific. As Britain began to turn away from what was left of its former Empire and towards Europe, New Zealanders became less inclined to think of themselves as British. Initially the country turned instead to the United States, and so entered into the ANZUS pact with the US and Australia, and aided the US in the Vietnam War. However, by the early 1970s many New Zealanders felt the need for genuine national independence, a feeling strengthened when Britain joined the European Economic Community in 1973, causing serious problems for New Zealand trade. Most of this government's policies can be seen in this light.
This was the first government to give serious recognition to the Treaty of Waitangi, first by making the anniversary of its signing a national public holiday, and then by establishing the Waitangi Tribunal to investigate contemporary breaches of it. Both were concessions to increasingly angry Māori protest, as was the appointment of Matiu Rata to Minister of Māori Affairs (and initially Lands). He was the first Māori Minister of Māori Affairs since the 1930s and the first ever Māori Minister of Lands.
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