Postwar Welfare Expansion and International Leadership (Fraser and Holyoake)
- Peter Fraser and Keith Holyoake guided New Zealand through major social change, postwar reconstruction and early Cold War alignment.
- Fraser strengthened New Zealand’s welfare state through pensions, education and health reform.
- He expanded New Zealand’s international engagement by helping draft the United Nations Charter.
- Fraser promoted public housing programs to support returning soldiers and families.
- Holyoake focused on agricultural prosperity and strengthening ties with Britain.
- His government reinforced Cold War security through participation in ANZUS and SEATO.
Fraser and the Creation of the Welfare State (1940s)
Origins and Objectives
- Fraser expanded social security to reduce poverty and inequality.
- His government improved public healthcare through hospital upgrades.
- Education access increased with expanded secondary schooling.
- The state built thousands of affordable homes to support families.
- Policies promoted national stability during wartime and reconstruction.
Impact and Long-Term Significance
- Welfare reforms reduced economic hardship nationwide.
- Expanded education increased social mobility for working-class families.
- Investments strengthened long-term economic growth and productivity.
- The welfare state became part of national identity and political expectations.
- Fraser’s leadership elevated New Zealand’s global reputation.
Definition
Welfare state
System in which the government guarantees social protection through public services.
Definition
Social security
Financial assistance provided to citizens to ensure basic well-being.
Economic Management and Social Tensions (Muldoon)
- Robert Muldoon led New Zealand through economic difficulty, rising inflation and political conflict, relying on strong central control and interventionist policies.
- Muldoon imposed wage and price freezes to control inflation during economic downturns.
- His government launched large-scale Think Big energy and industrial projects.
- He strengthened state economic intervention to manage unemployment and rising costs.
- Social tensions grew due to economic hardship and confrontational political style.
