In this clever, witty and detailed memoir, Sir Michael Cullen describes his lengthy political career, including his pivotal roles as Minister of Finance for nine years and Deputy Prime Minister for six years in Helen Clark's government from 1999 to 2008.
Sir Michael was best known for his major economic policies, such as the creation of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund (sometimes called the Cullen Fund) and the setting up of the KiwiSaver voluntary retirement savings scheme which now has three million members. He was also the principal author of the Working for Families package which substantially increased the incomes of many low income families. His careful fiscal policies allowed New Zealand to manage its way through the Global Financial Crisis more easily than most developed economies.
He was also a key negotiator in Treaty of Waitangi claims, a part of his political role of which he is deeply proud.
This was all underpinned by his strong philosophy of egalitarianism and a social democrat approach to politics.
Sir Michael is frank in talking about the internal machinations of the Labour Party, including the turbulent times of the Lange government with its key characters of Lange and Douglas. As one of Labour's most trusted and senior party members, he has had a box seat during the highs and lows of the party's fortunes.
