Sir Keith Holyoake

Keith Jacka Holyoake was born on 11 February 1904. He was at school until the age of 12 and then worked on the family farm. His nickname of "Kiwi Keith" came from school where there was also an "Aussie Keith" in his class. He was a well known sportsperson, especially in rugby, in the area and was prominent in farming groups.

He stood for Motueka in 1931 and lost but won it in a by-election in 1932 becoming the youngest member of Parliament at the time. In 1935 he married Norma Ingram. After the 1935 election defeat Holyoake played a key role in establishing the National Party in 1936 but lost his seat in 1938.

While out of Parliament Holyoake became Vice-President of the Farmers Union. Which he helped transform into Federated Farmers in 1944. In 1943 Holyoake returned to Parliament as MP for Pahiatua and in 1946 became Deputy Leader of National. National did not win the 1956 election but did win in 1949 and Holyoake became Minister of Agriculture. He also became the first person to be formally appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

As Agriculture Minister Holyoake handed control of marketing departments back to producers, established floor prices for wool, and brought rabbit numbers under control. Holyoake served as Minister of Agriculture for seven years which made him the third longest serving in that portfolio.

Holyoake was made Prime Minister a few weeks before the 1957 election which National lost. He was Leader of the Opposition for three years before being elected Prime Minister in his own right in 1960. This was a time of strength for the National Party which in 1960 had 258,000 members in 1300 branches. Both as Prime Minister, and during his days as Opposition Leader and Agriculture Minister, Holyoake was widely credited as being a superb negotiator and builder of consensus.

Holyoake gained re-election in 1963, 1966 and 1969 making him New Zealand's third longest serving Prime Minister. During his four terms major issues included the Vietnam War and the entry of Britain into the EEC. Holyoake was active in international affairs being a strong supporter of the Commonwealth and also strengthened ties with Australia and South-East Asia.

In early 1972 Holyoake stepped down as Prime Minister for his deputy, John Marshall. He stayed on as an MP until 1977 when he was appointed Governor-General. He was Governor-General until 1980 and died in December 1983.