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Whitlam: I've Lost a Friend

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Description: The first image in this set was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam at Wellington airport after his arrival last night." ... "He was a very dear and respected friend'" he said as he was whisked through the rain from the terminal to a waiting limousine." ... "The relationship between Australia and New Zealand are so close that we share the grief of New Zealand."

Norman Kirk was the 29th Prime Minister of Aotearoa New Zealand. Leader of the Labour Party since 1965, he became Prime Minister in 1972. Affectionately known as “Big Norm,” his popularity, commanding presence, and commitment to government earned him respect throughout Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands. When he died suddenly in office on 31 August 1974 at the age of 51, there was a huge outpouring of public grief. The entire nation stopped and mourned. His state funeral was held 4 September 1974 at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington, and he was buried at Waimate Cemetery in the South Island. Norman Kirk was the 5th New Zealand Premier or Prime Minister to die in office.