New Zealand: The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern said it’s our birthday! Today, 105 years ago, the New Zealand Labour Party was founded. You can see from the “then” and “now” that quite a bit has changed, but the reason we exist hasn’t. We’ve always been about people. That’s why our history includes everything from building our first state houses, to the creation of KiwiSaver right through to a nuclear free New Zealand and civil unions.
Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern started out as a volunteer in the Labour Party, delivering leaflets and knocking on doors (and one day that’s what I’ll go back to!) but for now, it’s a party I feel very proud to lead.
We’re now the oldest political party in New Zealand and, as we celebrate our 105 years, we’re taking a look back at some of the moments that have defined us.
In a message to members and supporters, Labour’s deputy-leader, Kelvin Davis, celebrated the party’s 105th anniversary by sending out a self-congratulatory message featuring this extraordinary review of Labour’s past leaders:
“I want to acknowledge all our leaders, past and present. From Michael Joseph Savage, who moved furniture into the first state house way back in 1937, to Peter Fraser who was involved in setting up the United Nations. From Norm Kirk who helped Aotearoa recommit to Te Tiriti, to David Lange who said no to nukes and yes to the rainbow community. From Helen Clark who helped us Kiwis save for tomorrow, to Jacinda Ardern who stood up to hate and stood up for our health.”
