1981 New Zealand General Election
28 November 1981 · The two-party era · 92 seats, 47 for a majority
The 1981 New Zealand general election, held on 28 November 1981, was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the 40th New Zealand Parliament. It saw the governing National Party, led by Robert Muldoon, win a third term in office, but the opposition Labour Party, led by Bill Rowling, won the largest share of the votes cast.
Prime Minister before
Robert Muldoon
National
Prime Minister (continued)
Robert Muldoon
National
Largest force
National
47 of 92 seats
Turnout
—
The result
National
Robert Muldoon · 38.8% of votes · -3 seats
47
seats
Labour
Bill Rowling · 39.0% of votes · +3 seats
43
seats
Social Credit
Bruce Beetham · 20.7% of votes · 0 seats
2
seats