Lange, David Russell

Lange, David Russell ( 1942 – 2005 )
New Zealand politician; Labour Prime Minister ( 1984 – 89 ). Lange trained as a lawyer and became an MP in 1977 . In 1979 he was appointed deputy leader of the opposition, becoming leader in 1983 . He led his party to victory in the 1984 elections pledging a commitment to a non‐nuclear defence policy. His banning of nuclear‐armed and nuclear‐powered ships from New Zealand's ports angered the USA. He introduced free‐market reforms and reduced national spending.