Liberal Government of New Zealand

The Liberal Government
Ministry of New Zealand
1891–1912
Date formed24 January 1891
Date dissolved10 July 1912
People and organisations
MonarchVictoria
Edward VII
George V
GovernorThe Earl of Onslow (1889–1892)
The Earl of Glasgow (1892–1897)
The Earl of Ranfurly (1897–1904)
The Lord Plunket (1904–1910)
The Lord Islington (1910–1912)
Premier
Prime Minister (from 1901)
John Ballance
Richard Seddon
William Hall-Jones
Joseph Ward
Thomas Mackenzie
Member partyLiberal Party
Opposition partyConservatives[n 1]
Reform Party
Opposition leader
History
Elections
Legislature terms
PredecessorContinuous Ministry
SuccessorReform Government

The Liberal Government of New Zealand was the first responsible government in New Zealand politics organised along party lines. The government formed following the founding of the Liberal Party and took office on 24 January 1891, and governed New Zealand for over 21 years until 10 July 1912. To date, it is the longest-serving government in New Zealand's history. The government was also historically notable for enacting significant social and economic changes, such as the Old Age Pensions Act and women's suffrage. One historian described the policies of the government as "a revolution in the relationship between the government and the people".[1]

The Balance Ministry, 1892


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  1. ^ James Belich, quoted in Michael King The Penguin History of New Zealand, page 259