The first state house - state housing in New Zealand
Michael Joseph Savage
One of our most popular Prime Ministers, Michael Joseph Savage entered Parliament as a Labour member
in 1919. When Labour first came to power in 1935 he became Prime Minister and
Minister of Native Affairs. He continued in these roles until his death
in office in 1940
Michael Joseph Savage
This portrait of Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage was taken in 1935, the year the Labour government he led swept into power. This government is best remembered for its landmark social welfare reforms, especially the Social Security Act of 1938 and the state housing scheme.
