An essential reference book giving a brief description of each New Zealand Prime Minister, describing their influence at the time they were PM and also their lasting legacies - how their decisions have formed our country over the past 150 years. It begins with a brief historical background to the process whereby New Zealand gained a Prime Minister, or the equivalent - as opposed to administration from elsewhere. All Prime Ministers are listed in chronological order, beginning with Henry Sewell (7 May 1856 to 20 May 1856). To date there have been 38 individual holders of the office, some of whom have had several terms (e.g. Atkinson - 5, Fox - 4). There have been 54 terms of government, from Sewell to Helen Clark. These political careers are described within the bigger picture, illustrating how individuals responded to world and local events (e.g. war, depression) and survived - or otherwise - such challenges. There is a particular emphasis on contemporary developments such as women's franchise, conscription, rationing etc.It also includes: * How New Zealanders gained the right to vote * The process whereby the Prime Minister is selected by the elected party * Changes with the introduction of MMP