Anderton a ‘giant’ of politics
Former deputy prime minister Jim Anderton has died aged 79.
Anderton passed away peacefully at Cashmere View Hospital in Christchurch overnight Saturday. He had been ill for some time.
Anderton founded two political parties, was minister of a host of portfolios and was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in June last year.
Cabinet Minister Megan Woods, speaking on behalf of Anderton’s wife Carole, announced his death on Sunday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the Government was mourning the loss of a man of integrity and compassion.
‘‘He was a towering figure in the Labour movement for several decades. He will be remembered as someone who stood up for his principles and for the people he represented.
‘‘His integrity during difficult times marked him out as a true leader,’’ she said. Post-earthquake, Anderton was a leading voice for restoration of Christ Church Cathedral.
Anderton devoted much of his adult life to public service and to the ideals of the Labour movement.
Paying tribute to him, Ardern said: ‘‘He was first elected to public office in 1965 as a Manukau city councillor and served local then central government for more than
40 years, including as deputy prime minister between 1999 and
2002.
‘‘Jim was a leader in his ministerial work, particularly in the regional development and primary industries portfolios.
‘‘He was a towering figure in the Labour movement for several decades.
‘‘He will be remembered as someone who stood up for his principles and for the people he represented. His integrity during difficult times marked him out as a true leader.’’
Ardern said Anderton’s influence as president of the New Zealand Labour Party ‘‘lasted for decades’’.
‘‘He built a powerful campaigning organisation, selected candidates who became ministers and prime minister and he was an innovative fundraiser.’’
She described his work in establishing the Alliance and Progressive Parties trailblazing’’.
‘‘He never gave up on the values of the Labour movement, and worked tirelessly to bring it back together through the years of the fifth Labour-led Government.
‘‘Jim was also a loyal servant of the people of Sydenham and Wigram, serving as an MP from 1984 to 2011.
‘‘There are few figures in New Zealand politics like Jim Anderton. A man of deeply-held values and ideals, he was practical and compassionate.
‘‘We mourn his loss, and extend our heartfelt sympathies to Jim’s wife Carole, his family and friends,’’ Ardern said.
Huge influence
Woods, who is now MP in Anderton’s seat of Wigram, said she was very upset to hear the news of the death of a friend.
‘‘I’m really, really sad. He has been a huge influence on my life and I’m so proud to call him a friend.
‘‘Jim was a giant of New Zealand politics.’’
Woods said Anderton had a strong reputation in Wigram and was known to get things done.
‘‘There was a saying at the time that if you needed something done, go see Jim Anderton.’’
A leading light in the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral, in September a then-ailing Anderton said he was ‘‘delighted’’ it would not be demolished. His wife said he had been very pleased with the decision to reinstate the cathedral, which was voted on by the Anglican synod.
Woods said details of the funeral arrangements will likely come out later next week. ‘‘difficult and