The Labour party in NZ cannot claim as is often said of our British
Cousins, that the British Labour Party owes more to “Methodism than
Marx”. However, faith is an important aspect of many people who
share the vision of the New Zealand Labour Party here is a bit of our heritage.
Like many contemporary Labour MPs, candidates and party members a number
of our early Labour politicians had Christian backgrounds. HE Holland one of
the first leaders of the Labour Party (1919–1933), was a street preacher with
the Salvation Army in Australia prior to his migration to New Zealand. Savage's
successor, Peter Fraser (1940–49), frequently acknowledged the influence of his
Scottish Presbyterian upbringing. Walter Nash, was "an avowed
Christian strongly committed to the Anglican Church." Arnold
Nordmeyer, aka Nordy, and the best leader to never become PM.
(IMHO) the leader of the Labour Party in opposition from 1963 to
1965, was an ordained Presbyterian minister. David Lange, (Prime Minister
1984-1989) was a Methodist lay-preacher, while Norman Kirk (Prime Minister
1972-74) was raised in a Salvation Army family.
The Labour party is a broad church with many valuable contributions from
people of all sorts of faith - not just Christians. I hope through this
blog to share the stories of Hindus, Jews, Moslems, Sikhs and others who share
the values of justice and fairness for all which is at the
heart of the Labour Movement.
Tell us why your faith resonates with the Labour Party. Please add your
stories through the comments section. I will repost each new story so
that people may give feedback and draw inspiration.
