Joseph Coates (politician)

Joseph Coates (1865-1943) was a New Zealand politician who served as the 21st Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1925 to 1928.

Born in Matakohe, Northland, Coates entered politics in 1911 as a Reform Party Member of Parliament for Kaipara. He quickly gained prominence and held several important ministerial portfolios including Minister of Justice, Minister of Railways, and Minister of Public Works under Prime Ministers William Massey and Francis Bell.

Upon Bell's brief tenure, Coates became Prime Minister in 1925. His government focused on economic development, particularly in rural areas. He also pursued land reform and infrastructure projects. His policies were aimed at improving the country's economic stability and attracting foreign investment.

Coates's government was defeated in the 1928 general election by the United Party, and he relinquished the Prime Ministership to Joseph Ward. He remained an influential figure in New Zealand politics and later served as Minister of Finance and Minister of Transport in the coalition government during the Great Depression in the 1930s. He worked alongside Prime Minister George Forbes to navigate the economic challenges of the era. Coates held his parliamentary seat until his death in 1943. He is remembered for his strong leadership and contributions to New Zealand's development in the early 20th century.