The First World War was accompanied by a sustained period of high inflation in New Zealand ; the cost of living rose by 34%. The awards handed down by the Arbitration Court – usually only adjusted once every three years – could not keep pace with the increasing cost of living. The court came under significant pressure to deliver awards that were credible to workers, and many unions challenged the court’s authority by remaining registered within the terms of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act but also taking strike action.
