Robert Muldoon
Robert Muldoon was a prominent New Zealand politician who served as the 31st Prime Minister from 1975 to 1984. He was a member of the National Party and is known for his strong leadership style, controversial economic policies, and his role in New Zealand's shift towards a more state-controlled economy during the 1970s. His government was marked by significant interventions in the economy, including extensive borrowing and subsidy programs, which led to debates about fiscal responsibility and economic management. Muldoon's tenure ended with a significant electoral defeat, which shifted the country towards more market-oriented reforms.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Many commentators have called the current plan a return to Robert Muldoon’s 1980s’ Think Big programme.
Simon Wilson’s City Desk: Solar power is the world’s cheapest source of energy, so why aren’t we using it?
New Zealand· 2026-03-03
Robert Muldoon was mentioned in the context of recalling former Labour deputy Prime Minister Hugh Watt.
Trevor Mallard interview: Lessons from Ireland amid a changing world orderNew Zealand· 2026-02-23
Robert Muldoon was the finance minister who oversaw the transition to the New Zealand dollar.
Inside Economics: How inflation threatens the recovery - ‘dirty details creep us out the most’New Zealand· 2026-01-28
Even Sir Robert Muldoon’s authoritarian legacy looks more benevolent with hindsight.
Jane Clifton signs off after 30 years of Listener columnsNew Zealand· 2025-12-19
Previously, the longest suspension for an MP had been three days, given to the former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon for criticising the speaker in the 1980s.
The news events that defined 2025 – The Front PageNew Zealand· 2025-12-12
Robert Muldoon is mentioned as a past National Party finance minister who dealt with structural deficits.
Ruth Richardson agrees to debate country’s fiscal position with Nicola WillisNew Zealand· 2025-12-09
He signed the 1977 Gleneagles Agreement on behalf of New Zealand, joining other Commonwealth leaders to discourage sporting contact with South Africa.
South Africa Rugby apology to Māori All Blacks for apartheid ban long overdue – EditorialNew Zealand· 2025-09-06
Muldoon increased debt, screwed down the economy with industrial-strength regulation.
Rating NZ’s finance ministers from best to worstNew Zealand· 2025-07-22
Robert Muldoon is mentioned as a comparison for the economic and social catastrophes in New Zealand history.
Danyl McLauchlan: NZ’s economy is on the up, so why are voters still miserable?New Zealand· 2025-06-30
Robert Muldoon won the election by campaigning against Roger Douglas's policy.
Danyl McLauchlan: 50 years of superannuation and still we get it wrongNew Zealand· 2025-06-08
Robert Muldoon is listed among the former Deputy Prime Ministers who became Prime Ministers.
David Seymour sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, succeeds Winston PetersNew Zealand· 2025-05-31
Robert Muldoon is another former deputy prime minister who became Prime Minister.
David Seymour weighs in on Opposition, Treaty Principles and being hated as he prepares to become Deputy Prime Minister - The Front PageNew Zealand· 2025-05-29
Thanks to former Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon, New Zealand’s public superannuation payment is not really pre-funded.
Explained: Why the Govt is getting money from the Super Fund in 2028New Zealand· 2025-05-18
Robert 'Piggy' Muldoon was referenced for his comments on New Zealanders leaving for Australia.
Flush with excess
Australia· 2025-05-13
Robert Muldoon was the Prime Minister of New Zealand who had a contentious relationship with Bob Jones.
Sir Bob Jones dies in Wellington - the colourful and controversial life of a property magnateNew Zealand· 2025-05-02
In 1983, he formed the New Zealand Party before Robert Muldoon’s snap election, splitting the National vote and helping the David Lange-led Labour Party to win the 1984 election.
High-profile businessman Sir Bob Jones has diedNew Zealand· 2025-05-02Luxon told a potted history of Prime Minister Robert Muldoon’s economics of the 1970s as a parable for insulating a country from the global economy.
Christopher Luxon to hit the phone to defend global trading systemNew Zealand· 2025-04-09
Muldoon's leadership from 1975-1984 was impacted by bouts of heavy drinking at critical times.
New study suggests options to remove ‘impaired’ Prime Ministers from officeNew Zealand· 2025-03-27
Robert Muldoon insisted he was still in power and could make currency decisions without consulting the incoming government.
The federal government is in ‘caretaker mode’. What does that mean?
Canada· 2025-03-24
The most famous campaign ad in New Zealand’s political history was Robert Muldoon’s Dancing Cossacks cartoon.
Paradise Lost: How short-term thinking, top-down governance and weak economic policies squandered NZ’s potentialNew Zealand· 2025-02-23
Robert Muldoon is referenced in relation to the economic strategies being employed by the current government.
If Christopher Luxon wants to run NZ as a business he needs to get it in order - Shane Te PouNew Zealand· 2025-02-22
