My LifeAs prime minister of New Zealand from 1984 to 1989 David Lange oversaw the transformation of a society and its economy in what is now seen as an historic turning point in the country's development. But the tensions created by the fourth Labour government's policies also tore the party apart, led to his resignation as leader and split the electorate along new and surprising political fault lines. In this long-awaited memoir David Lange revists those extraordinary years and brings to life the human dimension and consequences of being at the centre of such dramatic events. From exhilarating triumph over Muldoon government to championing a nuclear-free policy during the last days of the Cold War, the tragedy of the Rainbow Warrior bombing to titanic battles within cabinet over economic policy, this is a remarkable history as told by a remarkable man. The story of how the doctor's son from Otahuhu grew up to lead his country and confront the great issues of the day, and of how life after power as well as long battles with various illnesses have affected him, is also a personal and moving account of one man's life, told with all the author's characteristic wit, intelligence and compassion. |
From inside the book
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Page 101
... Bill Rowling spoke in the town hall in Christchurch . If he inspired the people in the hall , he did not inspire his television audience , or at least not those in the house I sat in . I remember that the mood was sombre and thinking ...
... Bill Rowling spoke in the town hall in Christchurch . If he inspired the people in the hall , he did not inspire his television audience , or at least not those in the house I sat in . I remember that the mood was sombre and thinking ...
Page 114
... Bill Rowling was the undoubted leader of the parliamentary Labour Party . He dealt well with individuals , but he could not chair the caucus effectively or guide it towards an outcome . He could not build a team . Although he was always ...
... Bill Rowling was the undoubted leader of the parliamentary Labour Party . He dealt well with individuals , but he could not chair the caucus effectively or guide it towards an outcome . He could not build a team . Although he was always ...
Page 130
... Bill Rowling as best I could . He had his own group of confidants and I was never close to his inner circle . I knew that one day he would go , as all leaders must , and I intended to replace him if I could but I did not wish to hurry ...
... Bill Rowling as best I could . He had his own group of confidants and I was never close to his inner circle . I knew that one day he would go , as all leaders must , and I intended to replace him if I could but I did not wish to hurry ...
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