Comment: When Seddon’s Liberals established a means-tested, government-funded pension in 1898 New Zealand led the world. Forty years later, Savage’s reforming Labour government broadened it to be a universal government-funded pension for everyone over 65.
The “universal” remained in place until another Labour government, led by Kirk, introduced the compulsory, contributory NZ Superannuation Scheme in 1974. But Muldoon quickly equated the state-controlled investment funds the scheme would build up over time with a form of communism (the infamous “Dancing Cossacks” of the 1975 election campaign).
Subscribe to continue reading
Already have an account? Sign In.
Unlimited access Newsroom Pro articles
Bonus subscription for a friend or family member
Exclusive subscriber-only emails
Access to post and read comments on articles
A daily morning email of news and insights curated by Newsroom Pro editorial team