Two of New Zealand’s Most Powerful Women Open Up
Dame Jenny Shipley is standing in front of the Weekly’s camera, a commanding figure in royal purple as she stares straight down its barrel.
“Oh, that’s a stunning jacket, Jenny,” comes a familiar low voice from around the corner. Helen Clark strides down the path and takes her place next to her former adversary.
“Oh, thanks,” replies Jenny. “It’s an oldie but a goodie.”
Gingerly, thanks to her recently broken arm that’s only been removed from its sling for our photos, Jenny places her hand on Helen’s shoulder. The two women grin.
“This will cause a political scandal!” Jenny hoots, as Helen laughs.
“What’s that phrase people use?” asks Helen. “Mutton dressed as lamb?”
“No,” asserts Jenny. “We’re both lambs.”
The first and second female Prime Ministers of New Zealand together – laughing, joking, sharing finger sandwiches, and bacon and egg pies – is, at first, as jarring as you’d expect.
Pitted against each other in the mid-1990s as the nation came to terms with the fact that two women occupied both the top job and the Leader of the Opposition, the idea of Shipley vs Clark has endured long after the duo departed politics.
As rumours and assumptions raged – because surely the two most powerful women in the country hated each other − Jenny and Helen, the history makers, rule-breakers, reveal today the reality was quite different.
Did they fight? Of course they did – “unholy rows” as Jenny describes them. Did they plot? Oh, yes. But not in the way you may expect.
As New Zealand gears up to celebrate the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage next month, Jenny and Helen reflect on their time in the Beehive over a cuppa – coffee for Jenny, tea for Helen – and the battles they fought together.
This story is from the August 27, 2018 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 27, 2018 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy