Marilyn Waring

A compelling autobiography by internationally-renowned feminist, economist and human rights activist Marilyn Waring. Aged just 23, she was elected to the New Zealand Parliament as the National MP for Raglan in 1975. Only the 15th woman to enter Parliament since women won the right to vote in 1893, Marilyn was also the youngest MP in the House and one of only four female MPs during her first term. The book spans her time in politics from 1975 to 1984, a time which almost broke her as she served in the old boys club under Robert Muldoon, an arrogant bully who seemed to believe his own lies. During her hard-working career, protesters occupied Bastion Point, the women’s movement gathered pace and nuclear vessels were invited into our ports by Muldoon, who also encouraged the 1981 Springbok Tour.

In 1984 Marilyn supported the Labour party’s anti-nuclear bill, advising Muldoon that she would cross the floor on the issue. The Speaker then indicated that Executive Council privilege would be drawn to block the bill from passing into law which Marilyn felt was undemocratic. Marilyn withdrew from caucus and select committees. Muldoon said to her ‘Just what do you think you are up to now, you perverted little liar?’, to which Marilyn replied ‘If you say that again outside this room I will sue the shit out of you’. After continuing to drink during a performance later described as ‘drunken megalomania’, Muldoon famously called a snap election, which Labour won by a landslide and New Zealand declared itself nuclear-free. Marilyn was finally free!

I knew a little about Marilyn Waring when I started reading this book, but after reading it have so much respect for this woman and what she has achieved. The writing is well paced and the layout very logical with facts well referenced. An extensive index completes this remarkable book which is a very necessary addition to the history of New Zealand. Highly recommended.… (meer)