Why did 1984 mark a sea change in the history of post-war New Zealand’s political system and policy making?
The year 1984 played a significant role in how New Zealand’s political system and policy making is shaped today. This period saw marked transformations of many policies, government expenditure, alterations in its foreign trade policies and saw numerous economic reforms. These radical reforms worked to stabilize New Zealand’s stagnant markets and society. To fully comprehend how these changes came about, it is necessary to draw from the period of 1945 to 1965. Whilst the post war period experienced much upheavals and disharmony, these amendments were vital to bring about the unique brand of politics that New Zealanders now enjoy
Since the Second World War in 1945, New Zealand encountered prosperity and consensus, then growing conflict followed by much independence and diversity. “1945 - 1965 was marked by an emphasis on security, community and consensus” (Gustafson, 2006: 3) Gustafson also pointed out that much of the health, education and welfare systems remained virtually untouched (2006:4). The two party system prevailed with the National and Labour parties being the two main players and majority of the minor parties were left to be outsiders. The nation was also in agreement to have strategic alliances with larger countries to ensure forward defence - protecting New Zealand (Gustafson. 2006: 4). New Zealand enjoyed harmony with its main export of agriculture, drawing in Britain to serve as a lasting and dominant market and source of investment. Through limited immigration, New Zealand managed to preserve its way of life. However a contradictory view saw New Zealand as a dull society with a small population, few sources of entertainment and an unrepresentative political system. This all came crashing down when Britain entered the European Community in 1972. New Zealand had to deal with not only its relationship with Britain ending but had to quickly...