The 1984 New Zealand general election was held with a backdrop of economic crisis and global collapse. Held nearly one year after World War III, it pitted Robert Muldoon’s embattled National government against a resurgent Labour Party who captured the national mood. Despite reaching an agreement with Social Credit to govern as a majority government, it had withdrawn parliamentary support after Muldoon entertained extraordinary powers to deal with the hyperinflation, unemployment and chronic shortages that plagued New Zealand. An emerging refugee crisis also undermined his popularity.
A seminal issue in 1984, economics, dominated throughout. Petrol prices had more than quadrupled as global supplies dried up thanks to a collapse of the global supply chain, inflation reached 500% in July 1984 and surged again to over 900% a month later, businesses which relied on international trade were severely affected. Muldoon reacted with typical autocratic style, imposing flash wage and price controls and restricting car use to a mere two days per week. A national three day energy week was also imposed. Prices for food, energy, rents, power and other goods were effectively frozen, worsening existing shortages. Fears of crop failures prompted food rationing.
A refugee crisis also dealt another blow. While refugee numbers had remained initially stable and amounted to a little over 250,000 between November 1983 and May 1984, the numbers of people seeking refugee from the nuclear wastelands of Europe and Asia rose significantly. By July, applications increased dramatically and this figure reached 600,000. These ‘boat people’ often evaded customs by making landfall in secluded areas, sometimes terrorising local inhabitants in the search for food and medical supplies. This prompted Muldoon to issue wartime powers which were strongly opposed by Social Credit, who withdrew their parliamentary support. Faced with the prospect of losing both his majority and a deteriorating national scene, Muldoon traveled to Government House and asked the Queen to dissolve parliament for a snap election. The result was never in doubt......
A seminal issue in 1984, economics, dominated throughout. Petrol prices had more than quadrupled as global supplies dried up thanks to a collapse of the global supply chain, inflation reached 500% in July 1984 and surged again to over 900% a month later, businesses which relied on international trade were severely affected. Muldoon reacted with typical autocratic style, imposing flash wage and price controls and restricting car use to a mere two days per week. A national three day energy week was also imposed. Prices for food, energy, rents, power and other goods were effectively frozen, worsening existing shortages. Fears of crop failures prompted food rationing.
A refugee crisis also dealt another blow. While refugee numbers had remained initially stable and amounted to a little over 250,000 between November 1983 and May 1984, the numbers of people seeking refugee from the nuclear wastelands of Europe and Asia rose significantly. By July, applications increased dramatically and this figure reached 600,000. These ‘boat people’ often evaded customs by making landfall in secluded areas, sometimes terrorising local inhabitants in the search for food and medical supplies. This prompted Muldoon to issue wartime powers which were strongly opposed by Social Credit, who withdrew their parliamentary support. Faced with the prospect of losing both his majority and a deteriorating national scene, Muldoon traveled to Government House and asked the Queen to dissolve parliament for a snap election. The result was never in doubt......
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