The relationship between the early New Zealand Labour Party and Socialism 1900 - 1935 : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University

Abstract

The New Zealand Labour Party had a stated objective of the socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange or as popularly stated, socialism. However, the definition of the term differed between individuals or groups due to the many variations of socialism. This thesis seeks to examine the relationship of socialism to the Labour party, by exploring its development and relationship with political labour and its later influence upon policy development in the NZLP after that party’s offical establishment in 1916 until it became Government in 1935.