Timaru Shoots Into Political Spotlight... (Press, 2 January 1986)

Timaru became a focal point in New Zealand politics following the death of Sir Basil Arthur, the long-serving Labour MP, on May 1, 1986. This led to a by-election on June 15, 1986, which saw a remarkable shift in voter sentiment. National Party candidate Maurice McTigue achieved a historical victory, overturning Labour's traditionally strong majority. Opponents hailed this win as a clear endorsement of the National leadership and a rejection of the Labour Government's economic policies. Labour Prime Minister David Lange downplayed the significance of the defeat, suggesting that it was merely a fleeting decision by the voters. However, the magnitude of the swing against Labour indicated deeper discontent. At the time, the Labour Government was grappling with controversial economic policies that were causing distress within various sectors of the community, which they argued required time to implement successfully. Labour’s candidate, Jan Walker, a feminist lawyer from Rotorua, faced obstacles in appealing to an electorate accustomed to a more traditional Labour representation over the last fifty years. Her support for homosexual law reform and opposition to nuclear ship visits and the All Black tour to South Africa further alienated some voters. In contrast, National's campaign was strategic and effective, leveraging Labour's challenges. McTigue, an articulate farmer from Temuka, brought a strong political background to the contest. Throughout the campaign, Walker found herself on the defensive, as pressure mounted on Labour to justify its policies. Despite a last-minute influx of promises from the Government, such as new State houses and increased teacher numbers, these measures failed to turn the tide in Labour's favour. When the votes were counted, McTigue received 9,371 votes, defeating Walker who garnered 7,879. The New Zealand Party, led by Dr Bill Greenslade, claimed third place with 2,998 votes, while Social Credit’s candidate, Lynley Simmons, received less than half that amount. The New Zealand Party approached the campaign with a robust strategy, employing extensive advertising, but ultimately, key figures in their leadership expressed disappointment despite the positive result. Social Credit’s lacklustre performance surprised many of their supporters, with the party’s president suggesting that voters were more inclined to support National as the most viable alternative to Labour. The campaign resonated with a clear demand from the Timaru electorate for change, urging the Government to deliver tangible benefits from its policies ahead of the next General Election. The by-election results ushered in a significant shift in New Zealand's political landscape, signalling growing public dissatisfaction with the Labour Government.

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