39th New Zealand Parliament
39th Parliament of New Zealand
The 39th Parliament ran from 16 May 1979 to 23 October 1981. It followed the 25 November 1978 general election and preceded the 28 November 1981 general election. The Muldoon Ministry served from 13 December 1978 to 11 December 1981. Prime Minister was Robert Muldoon of the National Party, leading the Third National Government (1975–1984).
Key people
- Speaker of the House: Richard Harrison
- Leader of the House: David Thomson
- Leader of the Opposition: Bill Rowling
- Monarch: Elizabeth II
- Governor-General: Keith Holyoake (until 25 October 1980); David Beattie (from 6 November 1980)
Parliament details
- House of Representatives members: 92
- Sessions:
- 1st session: 16 May 1979 – 14 December 1979
- 2nd session: 15 May 1980 – 12 December 1980
- 3rd session: 28 May 1981 – 23 October 1981
Parliament composition
- After the 1978 election and at dissolution: mainly National, with Labour as the main opposition; Social Credit also present. There were several changes in membership during the term.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:13 (CET).