Jim Bolger's 'very significant legacy' remembered

Past and present political figures are paying tribute to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger today following his death aged 90.

Bolger's family confirmed he died peacefully Wednesday surrounded by his nine children, 18 grandchildren and wife Joan.

Flags will be flown at half-mast on all government and public buildings today.

First elected to Parliament in 1972, Bolger served the country as prime minister from 1990 to 1997. He was MP for King Country for over two decades.

His death was acknowledged by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with "deep sadness".

"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," he wrote in a statement.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who led the first MMP government with Bolger from 1996, said he served as prime minister during a difficult period of transition.

New Zealand's first female prime minister, Dame Jenny Shipley, came to power in 1997 after staging a carefully planned coup against Bolger.

She told Breakfast she was "very sad" to hear of his death, describing it as 'the end of an era".

"He was brave, he took on the hard things, he didn't just leave [to] deal with the easy things.

"He was a very skilled negotiator, both around the Cabinet table, across coalition negotiations, which I sat with him and saw him at close range. And then even when we were in the transition of leadership, it was a difficult moment, but respectful, and we were able to work that through."

She said in her experience was he was "a true professional and he had delivered results" particularly for New Zealand's trade, Māori, and economic relationships.

Also speaking to Breakfast, New Zealand's 33rd prime minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer told Breakfast Bolger was a "thoroughly decent human being".

"He was a person of Irish extraction and he had a Roman Catholic faith, and I think that gave him a sense of social justice."

Sir Geoffrey hailed his work on Māori issues, and said he had a "social conscience" and "a lot to offer New Zealand".

Bolger's former finance minister Ruth Richardson told RNZ that one of his most remarkable features was showing "policy bravery" when required.

"My tribute to him is: when he faced the fire, he didn't flinch," she said.

Sir Don McKinnon also told RNZ he had a "good feel for the country" through politically turbulent times.

"He was very personable... We did have to do some pretty unpopular things. It was a degree of Irish charm... he knew where he wanted the country to go," he said.

Former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark said she was saddened by the news.

"Jim was deeply committed to NZ & served our country selflessly. My heart goes out to Joan and all the Bolger family at this sad time. RIP."

Sir John Key, who was Prime Minister from 2008 to 2016, said Bolger was a man who "loved politics".

"He seemed to enjoy life, and he seemed to enjoy what he was doing, and he was always energised by whatever task he was in... And he had a good sense of where the National Party heartland came from."

Sir John said during discussions with Bolger during his time in office often revolved around race relations, and said Bolger was proud of the way he took "very bold and brave steps" to honour the Treaty relationship during his time in parliament.

"In terms of Treaty, I mean it's pretty clear that these things were evolving, obviously it had started some years and arguably decades earlier... but realistically it was his Government that really sat there and said 'okay how do we get Ngāi Tahu and Tainui and others over the line.

"He pushed very hard for that and he very much believed in that."

Waikato-Tainui executive chairperson Tukoroirangi Morgan said Bolger left a legacy in Treaty settlements that would "remain unsurpassed".

"Jim modernised the whole process of reconciliation in an effort to bring Aotearoa-New Zealand closer together to reflect a more contemporary reality of our nation.

"He was the ultimate connector and allowed Sir Douglas Graham to begin the implementation of the process which led to the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu settlement in 1995," said Morgan in a statement.

"We will mourn his passing and remember his legacy with deep gratitude and affection."

Former NZ First politician Tau Henare said he would "never forget the sheer look of joy on Jim's face when I took the letter confirming that we would go with him and his Party in the first MMP Coalition Arrangement in 1996".

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Bolger was a "towering figure".

“His time in office was marked by immense economic and social change. He oversaw the introduction of the MMP electoral system and worked to put New Zealand’s modern economy firmly on the world stage.

“Jim had an enduring commitment to public life, his legacy will be long remembered, and his contributions will continue to shape our country for generations to come."