Mourners have paid tribute to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger at an official funeral this morning, with MPs from various parties travelling up the coast to attend.
MPs from across the political spectrum attended, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Other attendees spotted include the former prime ministers Jenny Shipley and Sir Bill English, as well as Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Parliament’s Speaker Gerry Brownlee.
Other former National politicians included Chris Finlayson, Todd Muller, Nathan Guy and John Carter.
The opposition parties were also represented by Labour’s Willie Jackson, the Greens’ Julie Anne Genter and Steve Abel, and Te Pati Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and president John Tamihere.
Full video: Funeral service for former PM Jim Bolger
The Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po arrived shortly before the funeral started along with Waikato Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan.
Morgan was one of the speakers along with Luxon, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and Sir Don McKinnon.
Addressing attendees, Dame Cindy declared Bolger’s passing the “end of an era” when a young farmer who left school at 15 could rise through the political ranks to become prime minister.
“New Zealand has lost a good man who led us with vision, courage, and decency through tumultuous times.”
Dame Cindy noted Bolger’s “no nonsense pragmatism” and called him “man of the hour” for his work through the Treaty settlement process.
“He will be remembered by Māori as a man of great mana.”
Bolger’s commitment to reconciliation with Māori was frequently returned to by speakers.
Luxon commended him for concluding the first settlements: “New Zealand is better place for it and for Jim’s moral certainty.”
Mourners remember Jim Bolger for many things, including his role in treaty settlements and steering the nation through electoral and economic reforms. (Source: 1News)
And Morgan said Bolger came to power at a time of “deeply strained” relations between Māori and the Crown.
“Jim saw what others could not. That reconciliation was not just possible. It was necessary.”
It’s understood the bad weather has disrupted travel plans, preventing some people from being able to make the occasion.
Parliament’s proceedings on Thursday have been delayed by a hour to allow more politicians to attend the funeral.
Bolger, who had been undergoing dialysis since kidney failure last year, died on Wednesday last week surrounded by his nine children, 18 grandchildren and wife Joan.
He served as prime minister from 1990 to 1997.
Speaking in Parliament last week, Luxon described Bolger as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a farmer from Taranaki and a proud New Zealander.
He said Bolger had “an instinctive grasp of New Zealanders’ innate sense of fairness” which “helped him make the right choices at the right time for the right reasons”.
“I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Jim personally but since becoming prime minister, I received a few quiet phone calls from him. They were short, sincere and thoughtful. He offered encouragement, perspective and advice — advice that I took seriously.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins told MPs he first met Bolger as sixth-form student at during a school celebration of New Zealand winning the America’s Cup.
“He was incredibly generous with his time, he took a genuine interest in younger New Zealanders. I think he asked more questions of me than I asked of him.”
Hipkins said Bolger’s legacy was woven into the country’s fabric, describing him as humble, dedicated and passionate.
“He remained a mentor and a friend to anyone in this house who sought out his guidance.”
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