Holyoake, Keith Jacka (1904-1983)

New Zealand National Party right-of-centre politician, prime minister in 1957 (for three months) and 1960-72, during which time he was also foreign minister. During his second period as prime minister he secured electoral victories for the National Party on three occasions, developed closer ties with Australia, supported the USA in Vietnam, and negotiated special access for New Zealand dairy produce to the UK market, within the European Community. He was knighted (GCMG) on his retirement in 1972 and, between 1977-80, became the first former prime minister to serve as governor general.

The son of a North Island farmer, Holyoake promoted farming interests throughout his political career and favoured a property-owning democracy. He served in parliament 1932-72 and was agriculture minister from 1949, before succeeding Sidney Holland as prime minister in September 1957; however, he lost the general election 12 weeks later.