Events & Personalities in NZ Politics Quiz

Answer: 1999

While the first female Prime Minster came to power in 1998, the first elected female prime minister was Helen Clark who came to power after the 1999 general election. The first female Prime Minister was Jenny Shipley. She became Prime Minister by successfully heading a leadership bid against the Prime Minister at the time, Jim Bolger.

Answer: Piggy

During his term in office, those who did not like his policies often referred to him by the irreverent name "Piggy".

Answer: July 27

In 2002 the government called a snap election. If the election had been held at the normal time it would have been around October or November.

Answer: 20

The size of parliament increased from 99 to 120 members of parliament in 1996, however the size of cabinet as remain the same. While there is usual around 20 ministers inside cabinet there are also ministers outside cabinet who often hold smaller or less important portfolios.

Answer: The Executive Wing

While many people think the name "The Beehive" refers to parliament it is actually the common name for the executive wing.

Answer: Premier House

The official Wellington residence of the Prime Minister is Premier House. Micheal Joseph Savage refused to live because he thought it was too grand.

Answer: Jenny Shipley

Jim Bolger was Prime Minister from 1993 until 1998 when he was replaced by Jenny Shipley after a leadership bid against him.

Answer: 1996

The MMP electoral system was adopted by New Zealand following a referendum in 1993 to change the electoral system from "First Past the Post" (FPP).

Answer: Norman Kirk

Norman Kirk came to power in November 1972 after his party (the Labour Party) had been in opposition for 12 years. He was unwell during much of his period as Prime Minister, and died of a pulmonary embolism in August 1974. He was succeeded by Bill Rowling.

Answer: Winston Peters

As part of the coalition talks after the election Winston Peters was given the position of Treasurer. This was a move that the Labour was not willing to do and is therefore one of the reasons why Winiston Peters' party, New Zealand First decided to join a coalition with the National Party.

Answer: Alliance

In 1999 Labour was in a coalition with the Alliance Party but also had an agreement with the Greens for confidence and supply.

Answer: Elizabeth

While Helen Clark is considered to be on the left of New Zealand politics, her parents were originally very conservative, and perhaps her rather old fashioned middle name reflects that conservatism.

Answer: Brian Edwards

The book is about Helen Clark and was written following her becoming the first elected female Prime Minister.

Answer: Sir Robert Jones

The New Zealand Party was set up around the time of the 1984 election and played a significant role in the Labour party winning the election over the National Party.

Answer: Bob Harvey

Bob Harvey believes that the CIA had something to do with Norman Kirk's death due to his anti-nuclear stance. However many have critised his views.

Answer: Dame Catherine Tizard

Dame Catherine Tizard became the first female Governor General in 1995. In 2001 another female Governor General was appointed, Dame Silvia Cartwright.

Answer: Labour

Before that the Minister had been from the Alliance. The Youth affairs portfolio has often gone to a member of the junior coalition party.

Answer: 1935

The first Labour government was headed by Micheal Joseph Savage and introduced many social reforms that form the basis of the welfare state in New Zealand.

Answer: John A Lee

He was kicked out of the Labour party for attacking the Prime Minister.

Answer: Labour

Peter Dunne left the Labour party to set up United and is now the leader of United Future.