History: The 1930s

The Great Depression

The Great Depression of the 1930s placed an intolerable strain on New Zealand ’s economy and society. Prices fell by as much as 47% and by 1933 approximately 18% of the male adult labour force was unemployed. The Government suspended the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and wages fell dramatically once employers had the freedom to set terms and conditions without state intervention.

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Last updated: 13-Dec-2006 17:20 | About NZ OER project

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