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One of the two man political parties in New Zealand, the Labour Party was formed out of different Labour movements at a 1916 conference.
The party became the main opposition party in 1931 after strong performances since the 1919 election. Under the leadership of M.J. Savage and later Peter Fraser it remained in power until 1949.
Over the years Labour has gained power several times, including under Walter Nash in 1957, Norman Kirk in 1972, David Lange in 1984 and 1987 and now under Helen Clark since 1999, who is the first female prime minister to be elected into power.
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