1980s conflict put to rest

Sir Roger Douglas says he has been "pretty much at peace" with David Lange in recent times despite their high-profile falling-out.

"We had disputes, but I never held that against David. It's gone," said the former finance minister.

Mr Lange sacked him in 1988 in a dispute over the pace of economic reform.

Labour's caucus voted Sir Roger back into that Cabinet, and soon after that Mr Lange resigned.

Sir Roger said he "never held any real resentment at all" and had met Mr Lange several times recently.

The former prime minister's legacy was the strength of the economy today compared to the "terrible shape" it was in when the fourth Labour Government was elected in 1984.

- NZPA