Interview with Sue Wood

Sue Wood was born in Onehunga in 1948 and from the early 1980s became increasingly prominent in the National Party. Discusses joining the Young Nationals in Putaruru, becoming chairperson in 1970. Mentions husband was deputy-chairman of the Taupo electorate. Recalls the political awareness of young farmers. Explains the influence on her conservative politics of her grandmother, a working class Tory. Discusses the diversity of National Party members and recalls her parents' involvement in community service organisations. Mentions her cadetship at the Auckland Star newspaper and her part-time university study. Talks about the cultural shock of becoming a farmer's wife in Lichfield and recalls teaching swimming and teaching at Putaruru High School. Mentions the conservative attitudes in the Waikato Division in the 1970s. Notes the impetus for Party change, including the advancement of women, came around 1974. Mentions family's shift to Auckland in 1974, becoming secretary of the Epsom Branch and a member of the Auckland Central election committee supporting Murray McCully. Notes her input into women's policy. Mentions Barrie Leay's contribution to the Party's revival and her interest in divisional matters. Discusses women's politics and becoming Woman Vice-President and Dominion Councillor in 1974. Mentions support of Dorothy McNab and Marilyn Waring and working relationship with George Chapman and Leay. Notes Muldoon's personal support also. Discusses her aims and work as Vice-President; refers to Party magazine Nathena; and her inclusion on the Policy Committee. Mentions support also from Les Gandar and George Gair. Refers to party official Michelle Boag. Discusses completing her BA in 1978, Teachers College in 1979 and teaching at Onehunga High School in 1980. Mentions escalation of economic problems after 1979. Talks about successful campaign to become first woman Party President in 1982 and some of the innovations she introduced. Comments on Party division over economic policy and about Muldoon's dominance. Discusses the significance of the Dominion Policy Committee and the policy-making process. Talks about the 1984 Party review and the subsequent party re-organisation. Comments on the rejuvenation of Divisional officials and greater decentralisation. Discusses the operation of the Finance Committee and its independence from the parliamentary party.

Interviewer(s) - Gustafson, Barry Selwyn, 1938-

Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1.45 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4025.

Alternative form available: Listening copies available