Dancing Cossacks - 1975 National Party

Commercial (Full Length) – 1975

One of the most controversial political adverts to emerge from New Zealand, this 1975 spot only played twice on local television, but helped bring National a landslide win. National leader Rob Muldoon’s chief target was the Labour Government’s superannuation scheme, which the ad notoriously associated with communism, via a troupe of dancing Cossacks. Created by ad agency Colenso, the concept was animated by company Hanna-Barbera in Australia. After being elected, Muldoon brought in a replacement superannuation scheme.

As a 10 year-old kid I loved this advert ... and would've voted National if I could've. After all, anyone who makes animated cartoons can't be bad ... right? Years later, I was shocked to find out exactly what it was, and what it said.
– A YouTube comment on the ad