Between the Wars 1918-1939

Prohibition

A ban on the production, sale and consumption of alcohol.

1919

Women allowed to stand for election to the House of Representatives, but not for appointment to the Legislative Council.
National poll for prohibition narrowly defeated by the number of votes cast by troops serving overseas.

1920

Anzac Day instituted.
Immigration Restriction Act passed, allowing officials to reject immigrants who did not have British birth or parentage, and supporting an unofficial 'White New Zealand' policy.

1922

Chatham Islands inhabitants able to vote.
Election results broadcast for the first time on the radio.

1924

Compulsory registration on electoral roll required for all eligible non-Māori voters.

The New Zealand air arm of defence: Avro 504K aeroplanes lined up outside hangers. 1926.

1926

Family Allowances Act passed.

1927

United Party formed from remnants of Liberal Party.
Postal voting for elections introduced.

1928

New Government formed after general election by United Party, led by Sir Joseph Ward, supported by Labour and independent members.

1930

Sir Joseph Ward dies and is succeeded as leader of the United Party by George Forbes.
Labour withdraws from coalition.

Ratana

Māori religious movement founded by Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana in November 1918, and which also became a major political movement in the 1920s. Tahupotiki Ratana became a religious leader of Māori after he experienced spiritual enlightenment and developed the power of healing through prayer. He started a campaign against traditional Māori religion, but later split from the Anglican church, developing his own religious practices.

With the growth of the movement, pressure was put on Ratana to work for political change on behalf of Māori. He campaigned for the ratification of the Treaty of Waitangi, and supported an alliance of Ratana and the Labour Party.

1931

Coalition of Reform and United parties led by George Forbes wins general election.
Eruera Tirakaten elected as first Ratana MP.

1932

National Expenditure Adjustment Act passed, reducing pensions, State employees salaries, rents and other charges.
Rioting in Auckland.

1933

Elizabeth McCombs first woman elected to Parliament in Lyttelton by-election.
Legal age for marriage set at 16 years.
Legislation passed to establish Reserve Bank.

1935

First Labour Government, with Michael Joseph Savage as Prime Minister.
Ratana movement wins two Māori seats.

1936

National Party formed from Reform and United coalition MPs.
Standard working week reduced from 44 to 40 hours for most workers.
Labour and Ratana form alliance.

Maori Council for the Mahunui District, 1902

Māori Council for the Mahunui District, 1902.

1938

Elections for Māori seats use secret ballot for first time.
Beginnings of two-party politics in New Zealand, with Labour and National winning more than 96% of the votes cast.
First use of radio for party political broadcasts.
Social Security Act passed, revising pensions structure and establishing a national health service.