40 years since David Lange became Prime Minister: What is his legacy?

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.   

On July 26th 1984, David Lange was sworn in as the 32nd Prime Minister of New Zealand.  

His ascension into the country’s top job came after Robert Muldoon’s infamous 'Schnapps Election' ended his nine years in power.  

Best remembered for enshrining New Zealand’s nuclear free status, Lange also oversaw controversial economic policies that ultimately divided his caucus and saw his time on the ninth floor only last five years.  

For the 40th anniversary of his reign, we spoke with Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper – one of the few journalists who was there at the time and still working today. 

New episodes return January 13th. 

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

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