Onward with Executive Power: Lessons from New Zealand 1947-57

Onward with Executive Power – Lessons from New Zealand 1947-57 includes new and exciting research on constitutional, political and policy developments during the late 1940s and 1950s, a critical stage in the evolution of New Zealand as a modern, independent state. The period was characterized by a significant evolution in New Zealand's relationship with Britain, the passing of the Statute of Westminster, the first transfer of power between Labour and National, the strong leadership styles of Fraser and Holland, the abolition of the Legislative Council, a landmark waterfront strike, and an ambivalent attitude towards full national independence. Importantly, too, the period had major ramifications for the conduct of politics during the remainder of the century, certainly until the recent era of proportional representation. In particular, it underscored and entrenched the 'elected dictatorship' available to post-war prime ministers and single-party governments. Onward assesses the lessons of the Fraser-Holland era for contemporary New Zealand politics and highlights how many of the central issues of the immediate post-war years remain with us and are still unresolved.