Growth of Multi-party Politics 1967-1984

1967

• Introduction of decimal currency system.
• Lord Arthur Porritt becomes first New Zealand-born Governor-General.
• Māori allowed to stand for European seats, and vice versa.

1969

• Voting age lowered to 20 years.
• Computers first used in the preparation of electoral rolls in a limited number of electorates.
• For the first time the NZBC (New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation) presents its own election analysis on television.
• National wins fourth election in a row.
• Number of MPs increased to 84.

1972

• Labour government led by Norman Kirk elected.
• Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan becomes first Māori woman cabinet minister.
• Bruce Beetham becomes leader of the Social Credit League.
• Values Party formed (world's first national Green party).
• Equal Pay Act passed.

1973

• Domestic Purposes Benefit made available for solo parents caring for dependent children.
• New Zealand population reaches 3 million.
• Waitangi Day made the national holiday, but renamed New Zealand Day.

1974

• Death of Prime Minister Norman Kirk.
• Voting age lowered to 18 years.

1975

• Waitangi Tribunal established.
• Electoral Amendment Act introduces more reforms to electoral system.
• 'European' electorates now to be known as 'general' electorates.
• Māori allowed to choose whether to be on the Māori roll or the general roll. Right to vote given to permanent residents of any nationality, although only NZ citizens could be elected to parliament.
• Robert Muldoon, leader of the National Party, elected Prime Minister, with two Māori MPs in general seats.

1976

• New Zealand Day changed back to Waitangi Day.
• Pacific Island 'overstayers' deported from New Zealand.

1977

• Bastion Point land protest.
• Citizenship Act defines New Zealand citizenship.

1978

• National wins election based on number of seats won, but receives fewer votes overall than Labour.
• Social Credit wins first parliamentary seat in by-election.
• Human Rights Commission established.
• Winston Peters wins Hunua seat after controversial decision on incorrectly marked ballot papers.

1980

• Social Credit wins second seat in by-election.
• Matiu Rata (ex Labour) forms Mana Motuhake o Aotearoa party.

1981

• Springbok Tour of New Zealand results in nation-wide anti-tour protests.
• National re-elected, although Labour wins more votes overall again.

1982

• Wage, price and rent freeze imposed (until 1984).
• CER (Closer Economic Relations) agreement signed between Australia and New Zealand.
• Social Credit League changes its name to Social Credit Party.
• New Zealand citizenship granted to Samoan citizens in New Zealand who intend to stay indefinitely.

1983

• New Zealand Party founded by Robert Jones.

1984

• Labour wins snap general election under leadership of David Lange.
• New Zealand Party wins over 12% of votes, but does not win a seat.