Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger Dies at 90
Last update: October 16, 2025
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New Zealand mourns former prime minister known for vision and leadership
Jim Bolger, who led New Zealand through major economic reforms in the 1990s and was widely respected for his integrity, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 90.
According to a statement from his family, Bolger died peacefully, surrounded by his wife Joan, their nine children and 18 grandchildren. He had been receiving treatment for kidney failure since last year.
CBI News reports that Bolger was first elected to Parliament in 1972. He led the National Party and served as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997.
During his leadership, he inherited a severe economic crisis and introduced major reforms to tackle inflation, debt and deficits.
Current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Bolger as a man who “served with integrity and purpose” and called him a “towering figure” in New Zealand politics. Opposition leader Chris Hipkins also praised Bolger’s lasting contributions to the country.
In 1996, Bolger formed a coalition government with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who remembered him as a principled and reliable partner. Bolger also played a key role in settling Treaty of Waitangi claims, including a landmark agreement with Waikato Tainui in 1995.
Bolger welcomed South African President Nelson Mandela to New Zealand in 1995 and also met Queen Elizabeth II during his time in office.
