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Peddling politicians - Election Days

Gordon Coates Reform Party poster

Gordon Coates Reform Party poster

This Reform Party poster from the 1925 election campaign illustrates the increasing influence of commercial advertising techniques in New Zealand electioneering. It focuses on Prime Minister Gordon Coates (‘The Man who gets things done’), uses bold colours and symbols, and relies on simple slogans rather than detailed policy statements. Posters like this helped sweep Reform to its greatest – and last – election victory.