Bill Rowling

ModernPoliticianNew Zealand1927 — ?

NZ Labour PM after Kirk death.

Compare Bill Rowling with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1927

Country

New Zealand

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)12

Political (20%)38

Influence (20%)47

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)59

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score41.2

Bill Rowling — Complete Timeline

1974 AD

Appointed Prime Minister after Norman Kirk's deathPolitical Action◆ Major

Following the sudden death of Prime Minister Norman Kirk, Bill Rowling was elected by the Labour Party caucus to succeed him as Prime Minister of New Zealand. He took office on 6 September 1974, inheriting a government facing economic challenges.

New ZealandLabour PartySuccession

Impact: national

1975 AD

Lost the 1975 general electionPolitical Action◆ Major

Rowling led the Labour Party into the 1975 general election against Robert Muldoon's National Party. Labour suffered a decisive defeat, winning only 32 seats to National's 55, ending Rowling's tenure as Prime Minister after just over a year.

New ZealandElectionDefeat

Impact: nationaldestructive

Led Labour Party as Opposition LeaderPolitical Action

After the 1975 election defeat, Rowling remained as Leader of the Opposition until 1983. He led the Labour Party through a period of internal division and policy development, including the adoption of more free-market economic ideas that later became Rogernomics.

New ZealandOppositionLabour Party

Impact: national

1983 AD

Resigned as Labour Party leaderPolitical Action

Rowling resigned as leader of the Labour Party in 1983 after failing to win the 1981 election, though Labour had won the popular vote. He was succeeded by David Lange, who led Labour to victory in 1984.

New ZealandLabour PartyResignation

Impact: national