Kiwi politik
Hunter W.
Banned
Kiwi politik
Despite his poor health, Norman Kirk was campaigning as hard as ever. While inflation and unemployment had crept up, the National Party contrasted with it's brash and presidential campaign, under the auspices of its energetic and confrontational leader, Rob Muldoon. Whilst the oil crisis and increased Polynesian immigration we're on the minds of New Zealanders, Kirk, with his booming voice and excellent personal touch, mounted a trail blazing politick across the country. Speaking to both true blue nats and labour in town-hall meetings in schools, community halls, and even the beach. The nuclear issue, the thorn in the side of the Americans, hardly featured, in spite of outcry at the continued visit of U.S. warships to Auckland and Wellington.
Meanwhile, Muldoon continued his combative meetings in rural New Zealand. On numerous occasions engaging with protesters with his fists, this did not play well on television. In the leaders debates during the year, Norman Kirk appeared calm and patient, while Muldoon was agitated, interrupting Kirk in numerous intervals.
While the result had delivered a surprise for the Labour Party, it retained a working majority. While the National Party began to lose confidence in Muldoon, many disliked his blatant rudeness in the caucus room. The seeds of his downfall were germinating. Norman Kirk meanwhile, struggled with his declining health, and was further complicated by the arduous campaign he ran. In January 1976 he virtually withdrew from public life, leaving Hugh Watt to answer questions in his absence in Parliament. Similarly, the New Zealand economy was experiencing its worst contraction since the 1930's. As such, the economy fell into a prolonged economic recession. Unemployment increased from 2.5% to 4.7% during this period, while this may be considered meager, it had more of a psychological effect than anything else. This was for the most part, can be attributed to the United Kingdom joining the EEC, to the anger of the government. In an effort to reduce the soaring inflation rate, Bill Rowling (as Minister of Finance), instituted unpopular price and wage controls, the latter, was later abandoned following industrial strife. He also capped government spending, which also was unpopular, as inflation far outstripped the costs.
In January 1977 Muldoon claimed he had access to a police file supposedly implicating Colin Moyle in a homosexual affair, while he did not disclose the file, it generated a media storm the Labour Party could not control. His re-nomination for the Mangere seat was defeated by the prominent left-winger, Jim Anderton.
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