The New Zealand Labour Party, also known simply as Labour, is a centre-left political party in New Zealand. The party's platform programme describes its founding principle as democratic socialism, while observers describe Labour as social-democratic and pragmatic in practice. The party participates in the international Progressive Alliance. It is one of two major political parties in New Zealand, alongside its traditional rival, the National Party.
Members of the Labour parliamentary caucus, 1922. Prominent members are Harry Holland (seated, left of centre), Peter Fraser (seated, right of centre) and Michael Joseph Savage (back row, rightmost).
Michael Joseph Savage, the first Prime Minister from the Labour Party
Members of the First Labour Government on the steps of the Parliamentary Library in Wellington, 1935
Leader Norman Kirk opening Labour's election campaign in 1966
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