Promises Promises

A lively history of political advertising, from the first election of the modern era in 1938 to today

Brimming with political-party campaign advertisements from the 1938 election to the present day, this colourful, engaging book brings together 80 years of political advertisements that can truly be said to have made New Zealand history. The author’s analysis is penetrating and original and visual material is abundant and revealing. Perfect for history, politics, design and nostalgia buffs.

To look inside, click here.

To watch a short introduction to the book by Claire Robinson, click here.

‘Reading Promises Promises: 80 Years of Wooing New Zealand Voters, I found it impossible not to wonder whether Dr Claire Robinson has expertly documented an era of mass political communication that is coming to an end in the internet age . . . Robinson will have an interesting sequel to write in 10 years’ time.’ — Ben Thomas, Metro

‘Promises Promises is lavishly illustrated, and half the fun of the book is examining the primary sources . . . [it] has something for devotees of politics, history, psychology, sociology, and for those who just fancy a good laugh at how long and luxuriant Winston Peters’ hair was in the 1970s.’ — Mike Houlahan, Otago Daily Times

‘This well-produced volume (a credit to the publisher as well as the author) offers a thought-provoking and splendidly packaged look back at New Zealand’s political past, valuable for its own sake, and appropriate background reading for the next release of promises, now less than 12 months away.’ — Professor Stephen Levine, New Zealand Review of Books Pukapuka Aotearoa