New Zealand Timeline: 1945-1980
Land Ownership and Settlement
The post-war "baby boom" and improved prosperity increase demand for imported goods. Successive governments call for greater export production to meet the demands of rising import costs. More land, particularly hill country in the North Island, is brought into production. Use of improved fertilisers increases.
The Land Settlement Board administers ballots to enable young farmers to own undeveloped land on favourable financial terms. The State Advances Corporation and Marginal Lands Board also encourage farm ownership and development through concessional terms.
In 1967 Māori protest over the Amendment to the Māori Affairs Act which proposed that Māori land which has special protections be turned into European or 'general land' which can be more easily sold without the consent of all the owners. Other land grievances resurface, culminating in the 1975 Land March led by Whina Cooper The marchers reach Parliament in Wellington and present their grievances. In the same year the Labour Government establishes the Waitangi Tribunal to hear grievances. During the 19705 small block or lifestyle block subdivision of land around big cities increases. These blocks of land are often 5, 10 or 20 acres in size. Horticultural plantings also increase.
Land Use
Agriculture prospers. New Zealand scientists develop grasses, clovers, crops and breeds of sheep like Coopworth, Perendale and Drysdale, especially suited to New Zealand conditions.
Most dairy cows are of Jersey breed as the emphasis is on milk-fat production rather than milk volume or protein content. As the late 1960s progress the emphasis changes to the Friesian breed for the supply of town milk. During the 1950s artificial insemination of dairy cows increases dramatically from 1500 cows in 1949 to 500,000 in 1960. By the end of the decade most progressive dairy farmers accept this as using quality bull semen improves the quality of the herd. There is a move to larger and more economically viable farms. Many farms amalgamate, often when a neighbour sells. In the 1970s hunting of feral deer for venison for export to West Germany and antler velvet for export to South Korean markets peaks.
During the 1970s plantings of some horticultural crops increase markedly e.g. kiwifruit, pip fruit, stone fruit, blackcurrants and other berries.
The first deer-farming licence is given in 1970 to Rahana Station. Deer farming expands rapidly in the 1 970s and I 980s. Feral deer recovered by helicopter operations in rugged bush country are the initial source of stock.
Commerce
From W.W.II through to the middle 1970s, except for the period 1967-1969, there is full employment and inflation is low. Prices for New Zealand's agricultural products overseas are favourable.
In 1960, wool, meat and dairy products earn 90% of New Zealand's export income and Britain buys 65% of New Zealand goods.
In 1951-1952 the Korean War results in a boom in the price of wool because wool is used in military uniforms. The high price of a pound for a pound" becomes legendary Children even pick tufts of wool from wire fences. However; the waterfront strike means some shipments of wool cannot leave New Zealand ports and some farmers are unable to earn the high prices.
The price of wool falls sharply in 1967 to a low point of 16c/lb.
In 1971 Britain, which is preparing to join the European Economic Community (EEC), negotiates with European authorities to secure New Zealand access to the United Kingdom market for butter and cheese.
In 1973, when Britain enters the EEC, existing trade arrangements with New Zealand cease. This seriously affects New Zealand exporters who move to find alternative export markers. Unemployment begins to increase in the mid 1970s.
The oil crisis of 1973-1974 severely affects New Zealand as oil is a major import. The Government begins to borrow overseas to balance the effects of increased oil costs. Inflation rises. In 1975 new trade deals are made with Middle East countries, Japan and the Soviet Union.
Efforts to diversify New Zealand's exports continue. During the 1970s the range of dairy products sold expands and by 1985 62,000 tonnes of kiwifruit are exported. By 1985 the "traditional three" wool, meat and dairy products provide only 65% of New Zealand exports.
Agricultural Events
| 1944 | Federated Farmers of New Zealand is formed from the amalgamation of the Farmers' Union which was founded in 1901, and the Sheep Owners' Federation. Federated Farmers represents farmer interests nationally and becomes a very important political lobbying group. |
| 1947 | Department of Agriculture trials prove the effectiveness of aerial topdressing of fertiliser. By 1949 five companies are in operation, using former air force Tiger Moths and employing former air force pilots. This development makes it possible to fertilise hill country paddocks. |
| 1948 | The pesticide D.D.T is introduced to Taranaki to control grass grub in pastures. It is used extensively in New Zealand before being banned in 1970. |
| 1951 | Tanker collection of milk is introduced on a trial basis. |
| 1958 | The spores which cause facial eczema disease by damaging the sheep's liver are discovered by Mr C.P McMeekan after 20 years of intensive research, |
| 1977 | The Livestock incentive Scheme is set up. This is a government initiative to encourage farmers to farm more livestock. |
| 1978 | Land Development Encouragement Loans begin. This scheme aims to encourage further development of land into pastoral use. |
| 1978 | Fertiliser subsidies are put in place to encourage the use of fertiliser and lime |
| 1978 | Supplementary Minimum Prices (S.M.Ps) are established to maintain farmers' incomes in a time of falling export returns for meat. |
Community
During the 1950s and 1960s farmers are generally earning good incomes and have more to spend on consumer items as well as farm development. There is more travel overseas and more rural people have better cars.
Service industries increase in rural areas, e.g. grocery stores, petrol stations/garages, car sales firms, stock and station firms and retail stores.
Many Māori move to the cities in search of work. By 1961 33% of Māori live in cities and towns.
There is also urban drift in the population as a whole. During the I 960s and 1 9/Os, as smaller farms become uneconomic and farm amalgamation occurs farming families move into towns and cities to run small businesses or find employment.
By 1971 12% of the work force is employed in agriculture and 81% of New Zealanders live in urban areas. In 1976, only 500,000 people or 16% of the population live in rural areas.
During the 1970s farmers' wives become more involved in the decision-making side of farming operations. They often keep the financial records, and many become partners in the farm business. This has taxation advantages through income splitting.
Government Policy
In 1950 the Marginal Lands Board is set up. Its aim is to enable farmers on units which are too small or require development to be economic to increase business viability and production. Local committees assess each proposition, and if farmers can prove inability to borrow from banks etc., the Marginal Lands Board then lends funds. During the 1950s the Māori Affairs Department begins a settlement scheme to develop and settle Māori land.
In 1963 an Agricultural Development Conference is held to find ways of increasing agricultural production to increase export income and pay for New Zealand's increasing imports. The conference sets the foundations for government policy for the next two decades.
In 1974 the Rural Bank is set up. It replaces the State Advances Corporation and continues government policy of loans at preferential interest rates for farmers.
In 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal is established to make recommendations to the government on redressing current Māori land grievances. In 1985 an amendment enables the Tribunal to make recommendations on past land grievances as well.
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Communications
Level 9
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0300
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