Portal:New Zealand/Selected article/Week 7, 2006

Michael Joseph Savage (March 23, 1872 – March 27, 1940) was a New Zealand politician and the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand.

An excellent speaker, Savage became the most visible politician in the country during the depression, and led Labour to victory in the 1935 election. The first Labour government swiftly proved popular and easily won the 1938 elections with an increased majority. Savage was suffering from cancer at the time, but had delayed seeking treatment to participate in the election campaign. Savage was to die from this cancer in 1940.

A life long bachelor, Savage brought an almost religious fervour to his politics. This, and his death while in office, has made him become something of an iconic figure to the Left. The architect of the welfare state, his picture was reportedly found in many Labour supporters' homes. While younger generations are less aware of him, he is still revered by many older New Zealanders. Recently featured: Cabbage tree · New Zealand land wars · Napier · Archive