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National was formed from the United and Reform coalition government of 1931-1935. After a poor performance of the original National Political Federation in 1935, in 1936 the National Party was officially established on the basis of “good citizenship and self-reliance.” It aimed to overcome communist and socialist movements and promote a message of “rights to private ownership.”
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| Name |
Start Time |
Ending Time |
Overview |
| Sidney Holland; Keith Holyoake |
1949 |
1957 |
In government. Notably harsh when faced with the Waterfront Strike of 1951. |
| Keith Holyoake |
1957 |
1960 |
In opposition |
| Keith Holyoake |
1960 |
1972 |
In government |
| Keith Holyoake |
1972 |
1975 |
In opposition |
| Keith Holyoake |
1975 |
1984 |
Government |
| Robert Muldoon |
1975 |
1984 |
In government. This period was often described as a populist period. Muldoon was perhaps the most well-known Prime Minister of all time, but he lost power in 1984 in an election he called. |
| Opposition |
1984 |
1990 |
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| Jim Bolger; Jenny Shipley |
1990 |
1999 |
In government. This period saw a more moderated approach and a continuation of many of Labour's policies. Party splits lead to the formation of other parties, and from 1996-1998 National was in a coalition government with New Zealand First, lead by Winston Peters. |
| Bill English; Don Brash |
1999 |
2005 |
In opposition. In favour of war in Iraq. Don Brash based campaign no special treatment for Maori. |
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