Michael Joseph Savage

The Right Honourable Michael Joseph Savage
1935 portrait
23rd Prime Minister of New Zealand
In office 6 December 1935 – 27 March 1940
Monarchs	George V Edward VIII George VI
Governor-General	George Monckton-Arundell
Preceded by	George Forbes
Succeeded by	Peter Fraser
3rd Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party
In office 12 October 1933 – 27 March 1940
Deputy	Peter Fraser
Preceded by	Harry Holland
Succeeded by	Peter Fraser
12th Leader of the Opposition
In office 12 October 1933 – 6 December 1935
Preceded by	Harry Holland
Succeeded by	George Forbes
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Auckland West
In office 17 December 1919 – 27 March 1940
Preceded by	Charles Poole
Succeeded by	Peter Carr
Personal details
Born	Michael Savage (1872-03-23)23 March 1872 Tatong, Victoria, Australia
Died	27 March 1940(1940-03-27) (aged 68) Wellington, New Zealand
Resting place	Bastion Point, Waitematā Harbour, Auckland
Political party	Labour (1916–40) Social Democratic (1913–16) Socialist (1907–13)
Profession	Trade unionist politician
Signature
Savage's voice A radio address by Michael Joseph Savage at the outbreak of World War II, made from his home in Wellington. Recorded 5 September 1939

This article is part of a series about Michael Joseph Savage
Early life and career Member for Auckland West 1919 general election Electoral history Prime Minister of New Zealand Rātana pact Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1936 Edward VIII abdication crisis State housing scheme Social Security Act 1938 Lee affair World War II Elections 1935 general election 1938 general election
v t e

Michael Joseph Savage PC (23 March 1872 – 27 March 1940)^[1] was an Australian-born New Zealand politician who served as the 23rd prime minister of New Zealand, heading the First Labour Government from 1935 until his death in 1940.

Savage was born in the Colony of Victoria (present-day Australia), and emigrated to New Zealand in 1907 at the age of 35. A labourer, he became a trade unionist, and in 1910 was elected president of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council. Savage supported the formation of the New Zealand Labour Party in July 1916. He was active in local politics before his election to the House of Representatives in 1919, as one of eight Labour members returned in that election. Savage was elected unopposed as Labour party leader in 1933.

Savage led the Labour Party to its first ever electoral victory in the 1935 election. He won public support for his government's economic recovery policies and social welfare programme. His popularity assured the Labour Party of an even more significant electoral victory in the 1938 election. His government joined Britain in declaring war against Germany in 1939. Savage's health declined rapidly after Labour's second electoral victory and he died in office. He was succeeded as head of government by his deputy Peter Fraser.

Savage saw himself as spokesman on behalf of his entire party and worked to keep its multiple factions in harness, although a left-wing critic of his leadership, John A. Lee, was expelled. Commonly known as the architect of the New Zealand welfare state, Savage is generally regarded by academics and the general public as one of New Zealand's greatest and most revered prime ministers. To date he is the only New Zealand prime minister or premier to serve under three monarchs (George V, Edward VIII and George VI).