Invercargill Support For Mr Bolger Solid (Press, 4 August 1987)

On 4 August 1987, Opposition Leader Mr Bolger received a warm welcome during a public meeting in Invercargill, with over 900 attendees filling the hall. This positive reception contrasted sharply with the hostility he encountered at previous events in Dunedin that day, where he faced heckling and criticism. Mr Bolger used the platform to launch strong criticisms against Prime Minister Mr Lange, highlighting credibility as a pivotal issue for the upcoming election. He expressed confidence that Lange's tenure would end, stating, "The good news is that this will be the last time he will be there to justify his failures." Mr Bolger also insulted Finance Minister Mr Douglas, dubbing him "Roger the dodger" for his optimistic claims about the government's progress. Despite the earlier negativity in Dunedin, he described his meetings there as stimulating with genuine New Zealanders expressing their opinions. His speech included pointed comments about the government’s impact on Southland and the South Island as a whole, punctuated by humour at Lange's expense—using the anecdote of a bursting balloon as a metaphor for the Prime Minister. During the orderly meeting, Mr Bolger reaffirmed National's commitment to remaining in the A.N.Z.U.S. alliance and reiterated his party’s pledge to eliminate GST on groceries, rates, and medical fees. The atmosphere was calmer than in previous events, highlighted by a unique entrance with bagpipe players and a structured approach to audience engagement through submitted written questions. The questions dealt with various concerns including electricity price hikes, interest rates, livestock taxation, and the death penalty. Bolger addressed queries about the potential for a referendum on reinstating the death penalty, emphasising that such matters would be subject to a conscience vote in Parliament. He revealed he had voted against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill when it was passed. Overall, the meeting illustrated Bolger's ability to galvanise support in Invercargill while demonstrating a willingness to engage with contentious social issues, setting a tone for the political conversation leading into the election.

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