"She probably doesn't know it, but Jenny Shipley has made a date with history by choosing November 27 for the general election," says Labour's social welfare spokesperson Steve Maharey.

The first Labour Government, led by Mickey Savage, was elected on November 27, 1935. It won 47.4% of the vote.

The National Coalition, an alliance of the United and Reform Parties and ancestor of today's National Party, came a distant second with 31.2%.

The mood for change was strong, and 90% of registered electors turned out to vote.

"It would be a happy twist of fate to have the fifth Labour Government elected on the 64th anniversary of the first," Mr Maharey says. "I know New Zealanders would prefer to get rid of this Government sooner rather than later, but in this respect we have to thank Mrs Shipley for choosing such an auspicious day.

"The first Labour Government gave New Zealand a fresh start after years of tired, hopeless conservative politics. The fifth Labour Government offers the same injection of hope, in the same situation.

"Mickey Savage's party campaigned on the slogan 'Let's Build a Nation'. Helen Clark's Labour Party has the same determination to help New Zealanders build a society and economy fit for the next century."

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