1951 New Zealand waterfront dispute
The 1951 New Zealand waterfront dispute was the largest and most widespread industrial dispute in New Zealand history. During the time, up to twenty thousand workers went on strike in support of waterfront workers protesting against financial hardships and poor working conditions. Thousands more refused to handle "scab" goods. The dispute was sometimes referred to as the waterfront lockout or waterfront strike. It lasted 151 days, from 13 February to 15 July 1951. During the lockout, the Watersiders' Union was deregistered and its funds and records were seized, and 26 local watersiders' unions were set up in its place.
Don't Scab! Poster
Ships in Wellington harbour during the dispute
A cartoon comparing Holland's reaction to the strike to Nazism
New Zealand National Party
The New Zealand National Party, shortened to National or the Nats, is a centre-right New Zealand political party that is the current ruling party. It is one of two major parties that dominate contemporary New Zealand politics, alongside its traditional rival, the Labour Party.
Adam Hamilton was the first leader of the National Party.
Sir Keith Holyoake, Prime Minister, 1957 and 1960–1972
Sir Robert Muldoon, Prime Minister, 1975–1984
Dame Jenny Shipley, Prime Minister, 1997–1999