Single-issue party begun as the political arm of the Social Credit Movement in January 1942, which called itself the Real Democracy Movement. Party aimed to secure normal wages for all returned servicemen upon the end of the Second World War, adhering to a 'social credit' philosophy which stresses the maintenance of purchasing power parity for all citizens. Party emerged as the New Zealand Social Credit Party in 1953, taking third place after elections held on November 13, 1954. Party continuied to hold seats in parliament until the Social Credit name was changed to the New Zealand Democrat Party in 1985. The party subsequently lost all its representation nationally after elections held on August 15, 1987. Party faced years in the wilderness until the party was taken over by Chris Leitch in June 2018, who immediately switched the party name back to the New Zealand Social Credit Party. Party decided to deregister after Chris Leich died on January 20, 2023 [also known as SOCRED].
