New Zealand Politicians Gather to Honor Former PM Jim Bolger

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger was remembered fondly during a service held at the Catholic Our Lady of Kāpiti Parish in Paraparaumu on the morning of March 15, 2024. Bolger, who passed away at the age of 90, was celebrated by a diverse group of attendees from across the political spectrum, including current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins.

The service attracted many notable figures, such as former Prime Ministers Jenny Shipley, Helen Clark, and Sir Bill English, alongside Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Parliament’s Speaker Gerry Brownlee also attended, reflecting Bolger’s significant impact on New Zealand politics.

Representatives from opposition parties included Labour’s Willie Jackson, the Green Party’s Julie Anne Genter, and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. The Māori Queen, Nga Wai hono i te po, and Waikato Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan arrived shortly before the service began, highlighting the deep respect Bolger garnered from Māori communities.

Three of Bolger’s nine children shared heartfelt memories of their father, focusing on his unwavering faith, intellect, and devotion to his wife, Joan Bolger. His son, Matt Bolger, noted the overwhelming number of tributes received, quipping, “It seems that the most effective way to be popular in New Zealand politics today is to be dead,” eliciting laughter from the audience. He acknowledged his father’s complex political legacy, stating, “We all know that confidence that you are doing the right thing does not, of course, always mean that you’re doing the right thing.”

Daughter Bernadette Cavanagh highlighted the strength of her parents’ partnership, recounting a touching moment when her father called from the hospital to invite her mother back in because he missed her.

Bolger served as Prime Minister from November 1990 to December 1997 as a member of the National Party. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro noted that Bolger’s passing marked “the end of an era,” reflecting on his journey from a young farmer who left school at 15 to becoming Prime Minister. She praised his “no-nonsense pragmatism” and his significant role in the Treaty settlement process, stating, “He will be remembered by Māori as a man of great mana.”

Numerous speakers emphasized Bolger’s commitment to reconciliation with Māori. Prime Minister Luxon commended him for concluding the first settlements, declaring, “New Zealand is a better place for it and for Jim’s moral certainty.” Tukoroirangi Morgan remarked on the “deeply strained” relations between Māori and the Crown during Bolger’s tenure, asserting that Bolger recognized the necessity of reconciliation.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Don McKinnon, who worked closely with Bolger throughout his time in office, described him as a unifying force within the National caucus. He reflected on the party’s focus during Bolger’s leadership, suggesting that a balance between managerial skills and ideology was essential for ongoing success.

To accommodate the memorial service, Parliament delayed its proceedings by one hour, allowing more politicians to pay their respects. Bolger had been undergoing dialysis since suffering kidney failure the previous year and died surrounded by his family on March 6, 2024.

In a tribute delivered in Parliament, Prime Minister Luxon characterized Bolger as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, remarking on his deep understanding of New Zealanders’ sense of fairness. Luxon shared that he had received thoughtful phone calls from Bolger, which provided him with encouragement and valuable perspective.

Hipkins reminisced about meeting Bolger during his school years, describing him as generous with his time and genuinely interested in the younger generation. He emphasized that Bolger’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of New Zealand, portraying him as humble, dedicated, and passionate.

As attendees departed the service, the profound impact of Jim Bolger’s life and career resonated among those who had gathered to honor a leader who shaped New Zealand during challenging times.