New Zealand Labor Party Analysis

Crucial to the evolution of society is a political sphere that represents such development. Correspondingly, individual parties must adhere to the ever-changing views and ideals of the electorate in order to maintain influence. A striking example of this common phenomenon is the recovery and rebirth of the New Zealand Labour party ideology throughout the mid to late 20th century during a pivotal time in New Zealand society, government, and politics. In this essay, I will first provide a brief overview of the ideological position of the Labour party within the overall party system. Second, I will outline the party’s changes in ideological placement throughout the late 20th century, specifically regarding its change in content, image, and delivery. Third, I will rely on data sets from the period of elections to exhibit Labour’s evolution of political success. Finally, I will comment on the everpresent theories of party ideology and voter behavior to further the argument that the social, economic, and electoral changes present at the time forced the Labour party to alter its ideological standing to fit the changing electorate.