Kōrero: Freedom of official information

The Official Information Act 1982 was passed at a time of growing concern about the state of the economy. This cartoon by Peter Bromhead coincided with the passing of the act. It shows a worried-looking New Zealander surrounded by alcohol, cigarettes and tranquillisers. On the wall a portrait of then Prime Minister Robert Muldoon (labelled 'Mr Economic Miracle') is accompanied by a certificate showing the country's triple-A credit rating, while a newspaper headline reports the government borrowing from overseas.

Courtesy of Peter Bromhead