In the early 1970s, the population of New Zealand reached three million. The economy was steadily growing but the inflation and unemployment rates were very high, thousands of people emigrated to Australia. The global oil crisis of 1973 and Britain’s entry into the European Economic community affected the exports of the country. The government borrowed funds from overseas and ran up huge budgetary deficits.
In the early 1970s, there was a single state-run television channel, the second channel began broadcasting in 1975. Color televisions arrived in New Zealand in 1973, but they were not affordable for every household. Music videos were coming into vogue but talent shows remained popular. The women’s movement grew in strength through the decade, influencing significant legislative and social changes.
Take a look at these stunning vintage photos that offer a glimpse into the everyday life of New Zealand in the 1970s.
Wow, what a journey.
Super cool, just sent this to a fellow newzi and he is thrilling…
As for that Waiuku (it’s Hamilton Drive looking upon Rata Street, for those playing along at home) photo, only the trees have grown a bit and there are a few more fences.
Matai St intersection, it seems
We had relatives who lived in Hamilton Estate until the late 1970s. We moved to Waiuku ourselves (in another area, though) in October 1978.
Although a boy from Sydney, I lived in New Zealand from October 1974 to March 1976 … and loved every minute of it.
The first whole summer was in Russell Bay of Islands (working as a hopelessly under-skilled chef), and then a year plus near Wellington (Papakowhai out on the coast near Paremata) – and working at TV-ONE in their flash studios in Lower Hutt. Great days indeed.
I remember especially the Soviet Era “dairies”, where you get a pint of milk or a half-pound of butter for about 5c – everything was so subsidised that it was essentially free. I also loved all the Pommie cars – the country was awash with Morris, Vauxhall, Hillman, Austin, and much else, with a smattering of MG, Healey, and Triumph.
The worst thing for my time there was the destruction of the Rowling Labour Government, and the ascension of the execrable Piggy Muldoon. There was also the Dismissal of Gough Whitlam back in Canberra in November 1975, but that seemed far away.
I went very close to staying there permanently.