Kōrero: Cold War

This 1977 cartoon highlights New Zealand's ambivalent attitude towards its Cold War 'enemies'. Prime Minister Robert Muldoon thunders against the perceived belligerence of the Soviet Union – depicted as a Russian bear – then softens his stance when he realises a renewed trade deal with the Soviets is pending. While New Zealand was willing to fire anti-communist rhetoric, its range was checked by a desire to not endanger lucrative trading relationships with communist nations.