First Labour Government of New Zealand

The First Labour Government of New Zealandgoverned New Zealand from 1935 to 1949. Responsible for the realisation of a wide range of progressive social reforms, it set the tone of New Zealand's economic and welfare policies until the 1980s, establishing a welfare state, a system of Keynesian economic management, and high levels of state intervention. It took power towards the end of, and as a result of, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and governed throughout World War II. It was in office for fourteen years, through four terms, including one five-year term due to a war-time election being postponed for two years.