A Year Of Slow News, But Sparkling Sport (Press, 24 December 1983)

In 1983, New Zealand experienced a relatively uneventful news year compared to its Australian counterpart, which was rife with political turmoil and natural disasters. Prime Minister Robert Muldoon faced criticism from opponents who blamed him for the nation's increasing debt, which reached $14 billion, translating to approximately $4,500 per person. Despite this, Muldoon maintained a lead in public opinion polls, with the National Party enjoying a four-point advantage. Notably, he had managed to decrease inflation from 17 per cent to 4 per cent, and the country was set to benefit from an expected economic recovery in Australia due to the Closer Economic Relations (C.E.R.) trade agreement. While New Zealand dealt with economic challenges, the Labour Party's leadership transition saw David Lange take the reins following the resignation of Bill Rowling. However, Lange's tenure proved rocky as his party's approval rating dropped from 50 to 38 per cent, exacerbated by an incident where he made an inappropriate remark in Parliament. Meanwhile, the emergence of the New Zealand Party, led by former Muldoon supporter Bob Jones, shifted political dynamics. The party gained rapid popularity, positioning itself as a significant contender and threatening to splinter conservative votes, potentially benefiting Labour. In terms of non-political events, 1983 brought mixed occurrences, such as the devaluation of the New Zealand dollar and a royal visit from Prince Charles. A deadly incident highlighted the issue of police-community relations when a young Māori offender was shot by police, prompting public outcry. While economic and political landscapes dominated the news, sports achievements also marked the year. Chris Lewis reached the Wimbledon final, New Zealand rowers won gold medals, and the All Blacks had a strong 4-0 series victory over the Lions, exhibiting the country's sports prowess despite some subsequent defeats. The cricketing scene stood out in New Zealand sports, marked by Lance Cairns' exciting performances and victories over England and Australia, sparking increased national interest in cricket. Although the team faced challenges in the World Cup, their historic win on English soil served as a highlight in a year that was otherwise characterised by subdued political and economic news. Overall, 1983 served as a year of consolidation for Muldoon’s government amid social and sports highlights against a backdrop of emerging political shifts.

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