Political propaganda was on our minds on the evening of Tuesday 10th September as we celebrated the launch of Promises, Promises: 80 Years of Wooing New Zealand Voters by Claire Robinson (Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Creative Arts at Massey University), published by Massey University Press. After an introduction from publisher Nicola Legat, Claire stepped to the microphone to tell us about her journey researching and writing the book, which centers on political advertising in New Zealand since 1939 and the way that advertising has contributed to our political and social climate, as well as our voting behaviour. Claire described some of the challenges of putting together the book, including the great expense of acquiring the rights to reproduce images, and read for us an excerpt from the book as well as an illuminating email from the New Conservative Party Secretary Kevin Stitt on why they declined to be part of the book (spoiler: it’s Colin’s fault). Former Labour Party MP (and Claire’s old boss) Steve Maharey followed to officially launch the book and to heap praise upon Claire and her work.
Claire Robinson
A rapt audience
Claire reads an email from the New Conservative Party
Steve Maharey
Claire signs copies of her book
Promises, Promises can be purchased in-store and at our online shop.
