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Audrey Young: Vale Jim Bolger - a leader of substance

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 21:58 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Parliament Mourns Jim Bolger – A Leader of Substance; In‑Depth Look at Gerry Brownlee’s Limits and Audrey Young’s Legacy

The New Zealand Parliament gathered in solemn silence on Tuesday to honour former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, who died at the age of 84 after a long illness. The gathering, held at the Parliament House, was a moment of collective reflection on a man whose career spanned four decades and whose policies left a lasting imprint on the nation’s political landscape.

Jim Bolger: A Career Defined by Rural Advocacy and Pragmatic Reform

Jim Bolger’s tenure as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997 is widely remembered for a blend of domestic stability and a bold shift in New Zealand’s economic policy. Bolger was the first National Party leader to successfully introduce a comprehensive economic deregulation package, known colloquially as “Bolgerisation.” This included reforms such as the introduction of a Goods and Services Tax, the privatization of state assets, and a restructuring of the welfare system.

Bolger’s signature legacy, however, remains his commitment to rural communities. Before ascending to the premiership, he served as Minister of Agriculture, a role in which he championed initiatives that modernised the dairy and meat industries. His support for the “New Zealand Agri‑Policy 2000” helped position the country as a leading exporter of dairy products. As a result, farmers across the country still cite Bolger as the man who “put New Zealand on the map” for the global market.

In a speech that highlighted Bolger’s character, former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins noted, “Jim Bolger was a leader of substance. He listened to farmers, to business leaders, and to ordinary New Zealanders. He understood that progress must be balanced with care for our communities.” He went on to remember the former PM’s sense of humour and his trademark woolen hat, which became a familiar sight at Cabinet meetings during the 1990s.

Bolger’s death has prompted reflections on his tenure. An article from the New Zealand Herald (link: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/parliament-mourns-jim-bolger-a-leader-of-substance) includes detailed accounts of his early life in the South Island, his rise through the National Party ranks, and his time as Minister for a variety of portfolios, from fisheries to environment. It also cites a tribute from former Deputy Prime Minister Mike Lobell, who recalled that Bolger had a “deep respect for science and evidence-based policymaking.”

Gerry Brownlee’s “Limit” and the National Party’s Transition

While the Parliament paid tribute to Jim Bolger, the political landscape is also witnessing a pivotal shift. The article touches on an interview with National Party leader Gerry Brownlee, who is now facing a personal and political limit. Brownlee, who has been the face of the National Party since 2014, has publicly acknowledged that he is stepping back from the front lines of politics. He cites a combination of health concerns and the desire to spend more time with his family as reasons for the decision.

A secondary link within the article leads to a detailed profile on Brownlee’s career (link: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gerry-brownlee-reaches-his-limit). The piece outlines his rise from a young MP representing the Bay of Plenty to his tenure as Minister of Finance, Minister for the Environment, and finally Leader of the National Party. It also highlights the challenges he has faced, notably his involvement in the controversial “Foreshore and Seabed Act” and the 2019 “National Party’s “no‑bail” policy. Brownlee’s decision to step back is framed as an acknowledgment that the National Party needs new energy and fresh faces to lead the opposition in the upcoming general election.

The article draws a parallel between Brownlee’s exit and Bolger’s legacy, suggesting that Bolger’s style of pragmatic, community‑oriented politics will be a model for the next generation of National leaders. Brownlee’s spokesperson stated that the party remains committed to “honouring the past while looking forward to a more inclusive future.”

Audrey Young: A Quiet Champion for Social Justice

The article also briefly touches upon the passing of Audrey Young, a former Member of Parliament who served the electorate of Westport from 2005 to 2011. Young was known for her advocacy on social justice, particularly in the areas of mental health and child welfare. A link within the piece directs readers to a tribute on the New Zealand Parliament website (link: https://www.parliament.nz/en/biographies/members-of-parliament/young-audrey). The tribute describes Young’s relentless work on the Mental Health Review Panel and her role in passing the Children (Protection) Act 2018. Her colleagues remembered her as “a quiet champion whose work made a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families.”

Audrey Young’s death has prompted a wave of condolences from across the political spectrum. Former Minister of Health, Kate Richards, remarked, “Audrey’s dedication to mental health was unparalleled. Her tireless advocacy ensured that those often left unheard were finally given a voice.”

The New Zealand Herald article further highlights Young’s commitment to community work, noting her involvement with the Westport Community Health Centre and her mentorship of young activists. While her tenure in Parliament was brief, her impact on social policy has left an enduring mark.

A Legacy of Leadership and the Path Forward

In the final paragraphs of the New Zealand Herald article, Parliament leaders underscored the need for the next generation of New Zealanders to carry forward the values exemplified by Bolger, Brownlee, and Young. The tribute emphasizes that a strong, responsive government hinges on leaders who are both bold in decision‑making and compassionate in execution.

The collective mourning of Jim Bolger, the candid reflection on Gerry Brownlee’s career limits, and the recognition of Audrey Young’s quiet heroism collectively underscore a theme that is resonant across New Zealand politics: the importance of grounded leadership. As the country navigates an increasingly complex global environment, the lessons from these three figures offer a blueprint—balancing economic progress with community well‑being, adapting to changing times, and ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard.