The First Labour Government of New Zealand was from 1935 to 1949. Setting the stage for innovative welfare and economic policies until the 1980's, responsible for establishing a welfare state. Coming to power as a result of the 'Great Depression' of the 1930's, I ponder the possibility 'will a Labour Government again rescue New Zealand if voted in this year?' Michael Joseph Savage was the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand and is commonly known at the architect of the 'welfare state' and regarded as one of NZ's greatest Prime Ministers. If Mr Savage was alive today, I wonder what he would have to say about the 'disintegration and impotence' of his beloved 'welfare system'? Savage had such political religious fervour, he said, quote, 'We are only a small and young nation, but we march with a union of hearts and souls to a common destiny.'
STATE HOUSING
Labour sited market failure for the then woeful housing shortage. In 1936 plans were created to build 5,000 state rental houses Nationwide. This initiative not only raised housing standards but also reduced unemployment. I remember with fond memories the State Home my mother and I lived in from 1961, which she later purchased (it's not the one featured below).
Why is it that not even 70 years down the track, New Zealanders are again facing poverty, housing shortages, unemployment and health issues in percentages not seen since the last Great Depression of the 1930's?
Journalist and documentary maker; Bryan Bruce shed some light on what could be part of the answer to this in his documentary 'MIND THE GAP', recently aired on TV3. More about this later ... in the meantime if you want to watch 'MIND THE GAP' to see for yourself what I am referring to go to the following link;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__2EdGFdgTA
STATE HOUSING
Labour sited market failure for the then woeful housing shortage. In 1936 plans were created to build 5,000 state rental houses Nationwide. This initiative not only raised housing standards but also reduced unemployment. I remember with fond memories the State Home my mother and I lived in from 1961, which she later purchased (it's not the one featured below).
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| Typical 1940's State family house |
Journalist and documentary maker; Bryan Bruce shed some light on what could be part of the answer to this in his documentary 'MIND THE GAP', recently aired on TV3. More about this later ... in the meantime if you want to watch 'MIND THE GAP' to see for yourself what I am referring to go to the following link;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__2EdGFdgTA
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