Tearful PM’s Cullen tribute

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a memorial service to Sir Michael Cullen yesterday that the former deputy PM never got round to opening her message thanking him as an inspiration. Instead, she shared that message with the large crowd who gathered yesterday at Te Kura Whare in Tāneatua, near Whakatāne, to honour Cullen, who died on August 19 last year. Ardern said she was a direct beneficiary of his legacy. Through tears, she said her message had thanked him for his intellect, humour and kindness.