List of New Zealand governments

Coat of arms of New Zealand (watermark)

== List of New Zealand governments ==

The List of New Zealand governments encompasses the various executive administrations that have governed New Zealand since the establishment of the New Zealand Parliament in 1854. The government of New Zealand operates under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system.

Early Governments (1854–1890)

The first government was formed in 1854, following the establishment of the New Zealand Parliament. The early governments were characterized by frequent changes and instability, with many short-lived administrations.

• First Ministry (1854): Led by James FitzGerald, this was the first responsible government in New Zealand.
• Second Ministry (1856): Led by Edward Stafford, who served multiple terms as Premier of New Zealand.
• Third Ministry (1861): Led by William Fox, who also served multiple terms.

Liberal Government (1891–1912)

The Liberal Government was the first long-lasting administration, introducing significant social and economic reforms.

• John Ballance Ministry (1891–1893): Led by John Ballance, who initiated land reforms.
• Richard Seddon Ministry (1893–1906): Led by Richard Seddon, the longest-serving Prime Minister in New Zealand's history.
• Joseph Ward Ministry (1906–1912): Led by Joseph Ward, who continued the Liberal reforms.

Reform Government (1912–1928)

The Reform Government succeeded the Liberals, focusing on conservative policies.

• William Massey Ministry (1912–1925): Led by William Massey, who guided New Zealand through World War I.
• Gordon Coates Ministry (1925–1928): Led by Gordon Coates, who faced economic challenges post-war.

United and Coalition Governments (1928–1935)

The United Party and subsequent coalition governments marked a period of political instability.

• Joseph Ward Ministry (1928–1930): Led by Joseph Ward in his second term.
• George Forbes Ministry (1930–1935): Led by George Forbes, who formed a coalition with the Reform Party.

First Labour Government (1935–1949)

The Labour Government introduced extensive social welfare programs and economic reforms.

• Michael Joseph Savage Ministry (1935–1940): Led by Michael Joseph Savage, who implemented the welfare state.
• Peter Fraser Ministry (1940–1949): Led by Peter Fraser, who managed New Zealand's role in World War II.

National Governments (1949–1957, 1960–1972)

The National Party alternated with Labour, focusing on conservative economic policies.

• Sidney Holland Ministry (1949–1957): Led by Sidney Holland, who introduced industrial reforms.
• Keith Holyoake Ministry (1960–1972): Led by Keith Holyoake, who served two non-consecutive terms.

Third Labour Government (1972–1975)

The third Labour Government was known for its progressive social policies.

• Norman Kirk Ministry (1972–1974): Led by Norman Kirk, who focused on foreign policy and social issues.
• Bill Rowling Ministry (1974–1975): Led by Bill Rowling, who succeeded Kirk after his death.

Fourth Labour Government (1984–1990)

The fourth Labour Government introduced significant economic reforms known as Rogernomics.

• David Lange Ministry (1984–1989): Led by David Lange, who implemented free-market policies.
• Geoffrey Palmer Ministry (1989–1990): Led by Geoffrey Palmer, who continued Lange's reforms.

Fifth Labour Government (1999–2008)

The fifth Labour Government focused on social policies and economic stability.

• Helen Clark Ministry (1999–2008): Led by Helen Clark, who served three terms as Prime Minister.

Sixth Labour Government (2017–present)

The current Labour Government has focused on social justice, housing, and environmental issues.

• Jacinda Ardern Ministry (2017–2023): Led by Jacinda Ardern, who managed the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Chris Hipkins Ministry (2023–present): Led by Chris Hipkins, who succeeded Ardern.

Related Pages

• Prime Minister of New Zealand
• New Zealand Parliament
• New Zealand Labour Party
• New Zealand National Party
• Constitution of New Zealand
• Politics of New Zealand