Otago Southland Labour Regional Council
MEDIA RELEASE
6 July 2006
Strictly Dancing: Labour celebrates 90 years
On 8 July it will be the New Zealand Labour Party’s 90th birthday and to celebrate; Otago and Southland Labour will hold
a ballroom dance in Dunedin.
The Party wants anyone who supports Labour, not just members, to attend.
Outgoing President of the Otago Southland Labour Regional Council Heather Grimwood, said Strictly Dancing will be a fun
night, to celebrate Labour’s past and to look forward to a bright future.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen will be the star guest at the dance; as Labour’s deputy Prime Minister; Finance
Minister, List MP; and importantly the previous member for Dunedin South, Mr Cullen holds a special place in the heart
of the Otago Southland Labour Party.
Otago’s three MPs (and Cabinet Ministers) Hons Pete Hodgson, David Benson-Pope and David Parker will also attend.
The dance will be run by the South Dunedin Dance Club and include traditional dances such as the Foxtrot; the Waltz and
the Tango. Some more modern dance numbers will also be played.
“You don’t have to be a Labour Party member to attend,” Heather Grimwood said. “Just be a supporter and a fellow
traveller.”
She said this was an exciting time for Labour.
“Labour party members share many important values about a fair go for all people, managing renewable resources for
generations to come and cooperation rather than competition.
“That involves drawing on the success and lessons of the past and having a visionary approach to the future.
“Our vision has been to rebuild the fairness, opportunity, and security our people knew in the late 1930s to the 1960s
and to add to it the dynamism, the energy, the momentum, and the excitement which goes with being a successful nation in
the 21st century.
“Established in 1916, the Labour Party is the longest established political party in New Zealand. Labour's vision - of a
more just society where all may live in comfort and security - remains unchanged to this day.
“Successive Labour Governments have introduced radical and progressive measures that contributed to the steady
improvement and ultimate transformation of New Zealand society. Even when out of office, Labour has largely set the
agenda for political debate.”
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Saturday 8 July:
90th Anniversary Dance
8pm – late
South Dunedin Community Hall, King Edward St
Entry: $5 plus a “plate” for supper. The dancing will be mostly “old time” with a few newer numbers thrown in.
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Lunch details
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the formation of the New Zealand Labour Party, the Dunedin South Branch will also
hold a lunch on 8 July.
The lunch will be held at Wobbly’s Bar and Restaurant, Victoria Road, St Kilda, on Saturday, 8th July 2006 at noon. The
New Zealand Labour Party was formed at a conference held in Wellington on the 7-8 July 1916. The Dunedin South Branch
was affiliated to the Party in September 1923.
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Background
Labour came into being in 1916 on the basis of wide industrial support. As it became a major force in the 1920's it
broadened its policies and membership to reflect the aspirations of all those who wanted to build a better New Zealand.
The Great Depression of the 1930's demonstrated the failure of conservative policies, be they social or economic.
Michael Joseph Savage led Labour to a sweeping victory in 1935 on the promise of radical changes. Over the next few
years Labour introduced a series of measures which have become fundamental to 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 security to the elderly, the infirm, and
those without employment. Access was opened to secondary and tertiary education. Judicious government intervention
rebuilt our economy, reducing unemployment. Workers also benefited by industrial legislation that introduced the 40 hour
week and made 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. Under Labour, the contributions of the armed services during World War II
were immense, as were those of civilians. Labour sought to ensure that the burdens of war were equally shared.
Between 1945-49 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 by Savage and Fraser.
Between 1957-60 the Walter Nash led Labour Government carried on the progressive foreign policies of the first Labour
Government, by continuing to champion the interests of small powers. Domestically, the introduction in 1960 in the
Public Service of Equal Pay for Women for Equal Work paved the way for its full adoption four years later. An intensive
Government- sponsored report in 1960 on the problems and future of Maori was to bear fruit only after Labour was out of
power.
The third Labour Government led by Norman Kirk and Bill Rowling was short lived. Both governments faced major external
economic difficulties. Each government responded with responsible economic decisions, which did not gain the approval of
the wider electorate.
The lasting legacy of the 1972-5 Government is the Accident Compensation Corporation. The decision by Kirk in 1973 to
bar from entry a racially selected Springbok team was a major step towards a more mature attitude in New Zealand's own
race relations.
The Fourth Labour Government 1984-90, led successively by David Lange, Geoffrey Palmer and Mike Moore made difficult and
overdue decisions to modernise the New Zealand Economy.
Labour's uncompromising anti-nuclear stance, championed by David Lange, gained domestic and international respect. The
establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal was a great step towards the final redress of past Maori grievances.
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 last National Government
ended this broad consensus by adopting extremist policies in industrial relations and economic management.
When the current Labour-led Government, headed by Helen Clark, gained power in 1999 it was necessary to restore balance
to industrial actions through the Employment Relations Act.
The Government has become an active partner with the private sector in the pursuit of economic improvement.
The goals of social security are also being addressed. Income related State House Rentals have been reintroduced. Cuts
made by National to superannuation benefits have been reversed. The Accident Compensation Commission has been both
reformed and restored to its original responsibilities. The "market" model of health care has been abandoned. More
resources are being allocated to Health and Education.
Labour has established a sustainable way of continuing to provide adequate State Superannuation. Inequities within New
Zealand Society still need to be resolved. The quest for economic security will continue.
Labour was re-elected to Government in 2002, and again in 2005. As it faces its 90 year anniversary, the Party is
delivering a fair and inclusive society for all New Zealanders, in line with its initial aims.
ENDS