Norman Kirk advocated for the creation of a New Zealand-owned shipping line as leader of the Opposition, which was Labour's policy at the 1969 and 1972 elections.
Kirk argued that "the New Zealand farmer has always been at the mercy of the overseas shipping companies.
"[1] Upon election to office following the 1972 general election, Kirk moved quickly to establish the shipping line, appointing former Meat Board chairman John Ormond as chairman and Federation of Labour President Tom Skinner as his deputy.
[2] The Shipping Corporation adopted a new trading name on 1 September 1985, New Zealand Line, to emphasis its international links.
[4] The New Zealand Line was privatised in March 1989, being sold to Associated Container Transportation (ACT), trading as P&O for $33.5 million.