Chris Anderton (right) helps carry the casket of his father during the funeral service for the former deputy prime minister in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images.
Chris Anderton (right) helps carry the casket of his father during the funeral service for the former deputy prime minister in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images.
Son calls on social justice crusader to guide PM 'from sky'.
Jim Anderton will continue to use his influence from the great executive council in the sky to convince the Government to give free dental care to all, says his son Chris.
Anderton was remembered in a moving service in Christchurch yesterday as a passionate fan of music who loved to harmonise, a champion for the disadvantaged, and an intense competitor whether it be over a political policy or a backyard cricket match.
In a eulogy peppered with as much humour as emotion, son Chris fought back tears as he thanked his family in front of hundreds of people who gathered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He recalled his father's cheeky early years, including his "go-carting exploits" in Grey Lynn or the time he smashed up some windows of an iconic building.
"There were no prosecutions ... Dad, I think it's safe to say you got away with it."
He said his father loved Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel, and would harmonise in the great family singalongs on long road trips.
But he also instilled a sense of justice, whether it was over his support for the Bastion Point occupation, opposition to the dawn raids, or fighting for Christchurch's Anglican Cathedral rebuild.
"Your moral compass was strong and true — may you use that to find your way to the great executive council in the sky ... and help us guide Jacinda to one of your unfinished projects — free dental care."
Anderton, a former deputy prime minister and leader of the NewLabour, Alliance, and Progressive parties, passed away at the weekend, two weeks shy of his 80th birthday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern comforts a grandson of Jim Anderton, who family saluted as a passionate music fan with strong moral compass. Photo / Getty Images.
Anderton's daughter, Brenda Hill, fondly remembered a jolly Anderton with his Santa hat on, giving a running commentary as Christmas gifts were handed out.
"Backyard cricket matches were legendary. There was much screaming and yelling, and you didn't like to get out."
She recalled Anderton's determination to never leave the house without his hairbrush, a radio, his phone and glasses, but how these items would always end up abandoned in movie theatres or the back seat of taxis.
A number of past and present Labour and National MPs attended including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, former Labour leaders Phil Goff and David Cunliffe, former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, National MPs Gerry Brownlee and David Carter, and former National MP Philip Burdon, who fought alongside Anderton for the rebuild of Christchurch Cathedral.
Words of Respect
Friend and former MP Matt Robson: "It was no good leaving your phone off the hook and claiming Helen had rung you. He would send a fax saying 'call me now'."
Grandson Sam White "He was someone who had morals and stuck by them."
Son Chris Anderton "Help us guide Jacinda to one of your unfinished projects — free dental care."
