Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged the passing of former PM, Jim Bolger, at the age of 90, saying he will be remembered as a “towering figure” and “great leader” of the nation.
“It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of The Right Honourable Jim Bolger ONZ PC, former Prime Minister of New Zealand,” Mr Luxon said in a statement.
“Jim Bolger was a towering figure in New Zealand’s political life – a leader of conviction, a reformer of consequence, and a servant of the people whose legacy has shaped our nation in profound and lasting ways.”
Born in Taranaki to Irish immigrant parents, his early life on a dairy farm instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience, and quiet determination. These qualities would go on to define both his character and his leadership, said Mr Luxon.
Elected to Parliament in 1972, he served New Zealand across more than three decades with dignity and a deep sense of public duty. As Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, he led New Zealand through a time of significant change – modernising the economy, forging stronger relations with our international partners, and helping to shape the MMP electoral system that continues to serve our democracy today.
“While his government was sometimes tested by the scale and pace of reform, he never wavered in his belief that the role of leadership was to prepare a better future, not merely manage the present.”
Beyond politics, he continued to contribute to national life, most notably as Ambassador to the United States, Chancellor of the University of Waikato and as Chair of NZ Post and Kiwibank.
“To those who worked alongside him, he was a principled and formidable colleague. To his political opponents, he was a worthy adversary who never allowed disagreement to become personal. And to New Zealand, he was a leader who believed in the strength of our democracy, the promise of fairness, and the dignity of service,” said PM Luxon.
“On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, I extend our deepest condolences to Mr Bolger’s wife Joan, his children and grandchildren, and all those who knew and loved him.
“Jim Bolger served with integrity and purpose. He leaves behind a legacy that will be studied, debated, and respected for generations.
“Haere atu rā, e te rangatira. Moe mai rā i te rangimārie.
“Farewell, great leader. Rest now in peace,” his statement concluded.
In a separate statement, Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters recalled his experience of working alongside the former Prime Minister.
“From 1996 onwards, Mr Bolger and I led New Zealand’s first MMP Government – which was a coalition between NZ First and National,” he said.
“As the leader of Mr Bolger’s coalition partner, I can attest he was a man of his word. He did what he said he would do – and we ran our Coalition Government with integrity, focus and a fidelity to New Zealanders who had delivered a majority to our two political parties.
“After leaving politics, Mr Bolger continued to play a role in advancing New Zealand’s interests on the international stage – including as New Zealand Ambassador to the United States at a time when we were seeking to bring our two countries closer together.
“Mr Bolger should be remembered warmly as a New Zealander who devoted his life to our great country,” Mr Peters said.
