Change in Attitudes
Ultimately, the 1932 Depression Riots changed the attitudes of many towards the hardship they faced during the economic crisis and the nation, as a whole, became more socially aware.
The people realised finally that the suffering and unemployment that they endured during the Depression was not due to personal failings but due to an unfair economic system. Around half of New Zealand’s population suffered the worst effects of the crisis and had significant losses, but without a doubt, everyone was impacted in one way or another. Women and the unskilled, and those dependent on others were hit especially hard. The Maori would have had a much greater problem, if they had not been able to fall back on traditional ways of subsistence. Those unemployed who were unable to find work had it very tough and those on government work schemes were not a lot better off. The ones who were lucky enough to keep their jobs were able to get through without too much trouble, despite the wage reductions, as they learnt to budget more wisely. Some 'waggers' continued to roam the country looking for food and shelter. The middle-class, while they had to make sacrifices, were not affected too largely as these were based more on luxury rather than necessities.
The Depression era made the whole nation and the generation which followed, much more grateful for everything that they had and for the fact that they were able to make it through the tough times. There was a deeper sense of community and the people began to stand more united, especially with the working class. The nation developed into a more class-conscious society overall, with increased social awareness for those less fortunate.
The Depression era made the whole nation and the generation which followed, much more grateful for everything that they had and for the fact that they were able to make it through the tough times. There was a deeper sense of community and the people began to stand more united, especially with the working class. The nation developed into a more class-conscious society overall, with increased social awareness for those less fortunate.