KIRK, Norman Eric (Kirk Norman Eric)

(1923-1974)
January 6, 1923 in Veymeyte on the east coast of South Island. In the 20-year old joined the Labor Party. In 30 years, was elected mayor Kayapoi, a suburb of Christchurch. Continue as mayor until 1957, when he was elected to Parliament from the port of Lyttelton in Christchurch. In 1963 became vice-chairman, and in 1964 chairman of the Labor Party.
In 1972, after the first time in 12 years the Labor Party won the general election, Kirk became Prime Minister while Foreign Minister. Thanks to him, New Zealand withdrew from the Vietnam War. Kirk has initiated diplomatic recognition of China. Actively opposed the nuclear tests conducted by France in the Pacific. Kirk died in Wellington on 31 August 1974.