Jenny Shipley

ModernPoliticianNew Zealand1952 — ?

First female NZ prime minister.

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Quick Facts

Born

1952

Country

New Zealand

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)11

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score50.9

Jenny Shipley — Complete Timeline

1997 AD

1997 Appointment as Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Shipley succeeded Jim Bolger as Prime Minister after a National Party leadership challenge. She became New Zealand's first female Prime Minister, serving until 1999.

First Female PMLeadershipNational Party

Impact: nationalconstructive

1998 AD

1998 Coalition BreakdownPolitical Action

Shipley's coalition with New Zealand First collapsed after disagreements over the sale of Wellington Airport. This led to a minority government and political instability.

CoalitionPolitical CrisisMinority Government

Impact: nationaldestructive

1999 AD

1999 Introduction of the Employment Relations ActReform

Shipley's government passed the Employment Relations Act, replacing the Employment Contracts Act. The new law promoted collective bargaining and union rights, reversing some earlier labour market deregulation.

Labour LawEmploymentUnion Rights

Impact: nationalconstructive

1999 General Election DefeatPolitical Action◆ Major

Shipley's National government lost the general election to Labour's Helen Clark. National won only 39 seats to Labour's 49, ending Shipley's tenure as Prime Minister.

Election DefeatLabour VictoryGovernment Change

Impact: national