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Norman Eric Kirk
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Norman Eric Kirk

prime minister of New Zealand
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Quick Facts
Born:
Jan. 6, 1923, Waimate, N.Z.
Died:
Aug. 31, 1974, Wellington
Political Affiliation:
New Zealand Labour Party
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Norman Eric Kirk (born Jan. 6, 1923, Waimate, N.Z.—died Aug. 31, 1974, Wellington) was the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of New Zealand (1972–74).

A cabinetmaker’s son, Kirk ended his formal education in primary school and held such jobs as apprentice fitter and turner and as foreman with the Railways Department. He joined the New Zealand Labour Party in 1943, was mayor of Kaiapoi (1953–57), and entered parliament in 1957. He became leader of his party in 1964. As prime minister, Kirk stressed the need for regional economic development and affirmed New Zealand’s solidarity with Australia in adopting a foreign policy more independent of the United States. In 1973 he strongly opposed French nuclear tests in the Pacific.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.