Grant Robertson Resigns.
The end of an era in New Zealand politics.
Yesterday the man that I admire most in NZ politics called time.
Around the middle of yesterday news began to filter out. People were posting unconfirmed reports that Grant Robertson was taking a new role as Vice-Chancellor at Otago Uni. Within an hour it became clear that he was indeed retiring from politics, and after an incredible career, while still seemingly at the peak of his powers, he was walking away.
It was hard news to hear, and I felt gutted. It seemed like the end of a really important period in our history, the last of the three most significant figures in our Covid response going.
Grant may not have been the public face in the way that Jacinda and Ashley were, but you knew he was absolutely vital to the response.
Political opponents and commentators like to criticise the cost of that response. But in my opinion the actions of those three great human beings were the right thing to do, the only thing they could do, and quite frankly were worth every cent.
Not only the lives saved, although that’s something that the last government should be immensely proud of. But the support given to both employees and businesses which meant that not only did literally thousands and thousands of people live, who would have otherwise died, but people didn’t lose their jobs, their homes, or their businesses, to anything like the extent that they would’ve otherwise.
“While I've questioned him and questioned his policies and his party's approach, I have never had any doubt that his interest has been to serve New Zealand and New Zealanders, and I appreciate the huge amount of work and effort he has done in Parliament over the years” - Nicola Willis.
But I don’t wish to make light in any way of those lives saved.
Many accolades will be laid on Grant as he departs. The kind words of colleagues, and hopefully mostly gracious ones from his soon to be former opponents. Should he want it, one would hope there is a knighthood down the road.
But regardless of that he will leave politics knowing that right now in this country tens of thousands of people still have loved ones alive, grandparents, siblings, spouses, and children, who would be dead now if it wasn’t for the compassion and caring of that government lead by Jacinda and Grant, which prioritized human lives over the economy.
You’d feel pretty good with that as your legacy, wouldn’t you?
“Through Covid he showed such an intense commitment to making sure people were properly supported throughout. I can't imagine having worked with anyone better. Thank you Grant, we all owe you a debt of gratitude” - Jacinda Ardern.
Now though thoughts turn to his wit, intellect, and outright decency. He will be a huge loss to Aotearoa, and to the Labour Party.
In these dark days, with a government that seems hell bent on reversing the kindnesses and compassion of the last one, getting “Back on Track” they call it, he will be sorely missed.
There was something reassuring in knowing that as his successor Nicola Willis advances her cruel and poorly thought through plans that Grant was going to be there to absolutely rip her to pieces. All with a smile on his face, and the roared laugher of his colleagues and those of us watching.
Those of us who do watch parliament will know that Robertson’s razor like wit is unsurpassed. As are his ability to break down complex issues to make them understandable, and above all his compassion and empathy for others. Losing these attributes is a bitter pill.
Especially coming so soon on the back of the announced departure of James Shaw, another very good man with a keen intellect, sharp wit, and kind heart.
James posted the photo above yesterday, along with his tribute to Grant. This is the first paragraph:
This photo of Grant and me is his favourite photo of the two of us, and mine also. It was taken at the first big school strike, climate action, rally of 2019, the day after I was punched on my way to work and about an hour before the terrorist attack in Christchurch, in which 51 people were killed, and which defined much of the rest of our first term in government.
In my opinion Grant ought to be remembered alongside Michael Cullen as the greatest of our Finance Ministers. I think the two have similar qualities.
I recall the absolute glee on Grant’s face when early in his tenure he re-started payments into the Cullen Superfund. Which the Key government had so stupidly and shortsightedly stopped.
His replacement Barbara Edmonds looks highly capable, and I’m sure she will shine in her own right. But right now they seem like some mighty, mighty shoes to fill.
While many focus today on the money that was spent on Covid few seem to remember the astonishing surpluses that Robertson ran in his first years as Finance Minister that enabled us to look after people when the rainy day came. In October of 2019, not long before Covid appeared, I posted the following:
Grant Murray Robertson was born in October of 1971, which makes him two months younger than I am. Growing up in Dunedin he did a BA (hons) in Politics at Otago Uni, where he was involved in student politics. Serving as OUSA President in 1993, and co-President of the NZUSA in 1996.
His working life began at MFAT before heading to parliament where he worked as an adviser to Marian Hobbs, and later on to PM Helen Clark. In 2008, with Hobbs retiring, he successfully ran in the Wellington Central electorate, becoming an MP just in time for nine years of a National government.
Following the 2011 election Robertson became the deputy leader of the Labour Party under David Shearer. When Shearer resigned in 2013 Grant put his hand up to be leader, where although he received the backing of caucus he lost the wider vote to David Cunliffe.
After the disastrous result of 2014 Robertson again put his hand up as a unifying candidate. Again Grant lost, this time to Andrew Little, despite receiving a majority of the support of both caucus and the membership. At that point he ruled out any further bids for the leadership. It feels really sad typing that last part.
I'm sure that Grant’s great support and friendship enabled Jacinda Ardern to achieve what she did as Prime Minister. But I can’t help thinking that he would've made a bloody good one himself. Still, six years as Finance Minister and three as our first openly gay Deputy PM are nothing to be sneezed at.
So why go now?
It seems hard to believe that a man at the peak of his abilities, the most fearsome debater in parliament, is walking away. Yet it’s not hard to understand why.
Robertson has given so much to politics, from his passion as a youth until now at the age of 52. He and Jacinda have done their bit, they stood up when it was their generation’s turn, took the wheel, and navigated Aotearoa through some very troubled waters.
It must have taken an incredible toll on them, and there is something to be said for doing your bit and then walking away at a time of your choosing.
But by god I’ll miss his sense of humour, which you can see in this clip:
“He has been a true friend to me in this place and I've enjoyed every moment of working with him and despite everything that members of the government have said about him, I think that he is one of - if not the most - talented politician of our generation” - James Shaw.
Not all MPs are in politics for life and I’m not sure that the country is well served by those who stick around too long. Looking at people like Winston, Judith, and Gerry, you really think it would be better for the country if they moved on and made room for fresh ideas and passions.
But Grant is going under his own terms. Had he stayed it would’ve meant at least three years in opposition, probably six, and then three more in government. Nine more years on top of what he has already given, is a very long time.
By leaving now Grant still has time for another chapter or two in his career. I very much wish him well for the future, and I reckon Otago Uni will be pretty bloody lucky to have him.
As we have been.
Thank you Grant for all you have done for our country. The bloody hard work, the impossible balancing act of dealing with all the competing demands on a Finance Minister. Always with a smile and a ripping joke, and never ever losing sight of why you went into politics in the first place - to make people’s lives better.
Ngā mihi nui.
With Grant being a Dunedin lad, with a well known love of Flying Nun acts, this one seems appropriate. It would’ve come out in his first year at Uni right back in 1990. A kiwi great, and a Dunedin classic - just like Grant I reckon.
I endorse every single comment that you made Nick. North and South ran an excellent piece on Grant six(?) years ago, it covered parts of his backstory and left you knowing he was a good man with compassion that was more than skin deep. Goodbye, good luck and thank you.
Great tribute Nick to a great person and a wonderful politician. So sad the good ones leave and we are saddled with the detritus on the Govt benches.