The Men on the Hill: Keith Holyoake (First Episode)

Before becoming an MP back in England, Austin Mitchell was a well known television broadcaster in New Zealand. In this first, September 1965, episode of his interview series, Mitchell meets Prime Minister Keith Holyoake. Midway through a 12 year reign, 'Kiwi Keith' offers frank insight into his job, from how he chooses his caucus to the balance of power between the arms of government. The National Party leader frames the role of PM as "chairman of directors of the board that runs the biggest business in New Zealand, the Government". In the backgrounder, ex NZBC staffer Derek Morton recalls the day Holyoake tried to avoid some Vietnam War protestors.

Some tend to be a little more equal than others.

– Keith Holyoake responds to whether he has an 'inner circle' in caucus

Key Cast & Crew

John Terris

Producer

Austin Mitchell

Reporter