​

The Politicians Rock band 1981-1995

 

The Politicians were a rock/new wave/reggae band formed in Tokoroa,Waikato, New Zealand in March 1981. Two of their singles were played on various radio and television shows, including Shazam and Radio with Pictures. They toured New Zealand for 5 years playing the pub circuit.

 

They were managed by Alan Judd and Associates who also managed Hamilton bands, The Bronx and Echoes. When Tim Armstrong left the band in May 1986 he went on to found The Kiwi Bandits, And The Tim Armstrong band. Which played at Zaks nitepub then later Roxoff in Hamilton New Zealand. The Politicians continued for almost another 10 years playing resident at Shakes (Lady Hamilton) nightclub in Hamilton with Ian Jeffries taking the lead vocal role.

 

Wa Kupa (Bass) now resides in Wairoa/Hawkes bay and Doug Pepperell is now in Perth Australia. Campbell Hapi (Bass) is playing gigs around Asia. Paul VanWering (guitar/keys) is teaching music and Guitar in Hamilton. Ian Jefferies still does gigs and is now lives in Perth, while Jeff Downey runs his own company in the Waikato. Adrian Ellis continues his Music career and is still performing. Tim Armstrong band is still gigging and has released several albums and singles. Grantham street (single) was released in 1993. Wondering Why solo album by Tim Armstrong band released in 1995 on Hark Records.

 

Politician Band members were: Tim Armstrong (guitar/vocals) Wa Kupa (bass) (1981-1984) Doug Pepperell (drums) (1981-1982) Paul Van Wering (guitar/keyboard) (1983-1990s) Campbell Hapi (bass) (1984-1986) Jeff Downey (drums) (1985-1990s) Paul Alderton (drums) (1982-1985) Donna Armstrong (keyboards) (1984-1986) Adrian Ellis (Bass) (1986-1990) Ian Jeffries (guitar) (1986-1990) Alan Judd (management)(1982-1986) Paul Krippner (sound technician) Kevin Popperwell (lights) other members: Liam Ryan/Lance Healey/Corrilyn Steele/Warren Williams/Sam Ware

 

Singles: 1984- Down in Baghdad/Looking for you and 1985- Energy/Polar bear, other Politician songs included: Englishman/Gondala lover/Teacher teacher/Shift worker/Dine and Dancing/Puppet people/Arabian girl/Licence/Oh Lisa/ UFOs/Relationships/Hongkong/Love or lust, and many more!