Tributes for David Lange

David Lange celebrated his return to power after being re-elected in 1987. Picture / Herald file

HELEN CLARK, Prime Minister

"To the end David was inspirational in his courage in dealing with great pain and suffering. He will be greatly missed. David will always be remembered for his strong advocacy of New Zealand's nuclear-free policy, and for a foreign policy overall which reflected New Zealanders' values and principles."

DON BRASH, National Party leader

"[David Lange was] a remarkable man who played a vital role in transforming New Zealand into an internationally competitive, vibrant economy.

"Mr Lange was a politician like few others in modern times. His extraordinary wit and remarkable oratorical skill were unparalleled and ensured a warmth and respect for him across the political spectrum."

SIR GEOFFREY PALMER 
Deputy prime minister in the Lange Government from 1984-1989

"He had an amazing, compassionate understanding of people. His command of the big picture was always superb. In a crisis he was great - clear, decisive and resolute. He presided over a Cabinet full of gifted people but he was the most gifted. "Not only was he funny, he was inspiring. He could inspire audiences of all types. He had the gift of making the audience believe - he could lift up their eyes to a wider vision where life could be different and better."

PETER DUNNE, United Future leader

"As well as leading this country through what history now records as a massive period of transition, he in many ways transcended politics and - particularly in recent years - touched the heart of New Zealand in a way that very few people ever do.

He was an extraordinary man. It is one thing to lead, but altogether another to inspire. "

ROD DONALD, Green Party Co-Leader

"David Lange was a commanding figure throughout New Zealand and around the world. For me, he was a flawed hero. He has certainly left our country with an enormous legacy, both good and bad. His breath would have been uranium-free till the last. Like Norman Kirk, he made me proud to be a Kiwi."

TARIANA TURIA, Maori Party co-leader

"David had the courage and the commitment to challenge policies which had a huge impact on Maori and poor, and our collective memory will appreciate the stand he took at that time to protect those who predictably would be hurt."

RICHARD PREBBLE
Former Act Party leader and minister in Lange Cabinet

"I prefer to remember that he was a great leader, and when we worked together we were a wonderful team and perhaps the most talented Cabinet this country has ever seen."

JIM McLAY, Former National Party leader

"David Lange's greatest contribution to New Zealand politics may simply be that, whether consciously or unconsciously, he shifted the outlook of New Zealand politics. It was a generational shift; and it was a shift of perspective.

By the time David left office, New Zealand had a younger outlook; and it had a different outlook on the world. We don't now peer into mirrors, believing them windows; we don't take in our own washing and cobble our own shoes."

ANDREW LITTLE
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary

"David Lange was the leader of a much-needed revolution, but he understood that it was causing unnecessary damage to working New Zealanders, and had the presence of mind to call for a more human pace of reform, and to take decisive action to achieve it. It was an action that cost him the prime ministership, but earned him a place in the hearts of working people."

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
US Embassy, Wellington

"David Lange led New Zealand through a difficult period of profound changes at home and abroad. He did so with courage, optimism and humour, the same traits he demonstrated in the face of his illness. He will be missed not only by the people of New Zealand but by his friends in the United States."

JOHN HOWARD, Australian Prime Minister

"David Lange had a great capacity to communicate with the electorate. I respected him, although I disagreed strongly with his decision to take New Zealand out of the Anzus Treaty. I never supported that."

KIM BEAZLEY, Australian Labor Leader

"He was a bloke of great wit and life, a marvellous orator, a genuinely funny man. We had our disagreements. We did not always see eye to eye, particularly on things relating to the United States alliance. But he was a colossal political figure in New Zealand."

DAME SILVIA CARTWRIGHT, Governor-General

"David Lange was devoted to New Zealand. My thoughts are with his family who have supported him so caringly during his long illness."

MIKE MOORE
Former Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister in Fourth Labour Government

"He gave me the best three years of my political life and the worst three years. His capacity to defuse situations and front complex situations was remarkable."

DAVID LANGE'S CAREER

1942: Born to Roy and Phoebe.
1947: Entered Fairburn Primary School, later Otara Intermediate and Otahuhu College.
1965: Graduated bachelor of law, Auckland University.
1966: Admitted to bar.
1968: Married Naomi Crampton.
1970: Graduated master of law with first-class honours.
1977: Elected MP for Mangere in byelection.
1979: Becomes Deputy Leader of Opposition.
1983: Leader of Opposition.
1984: Prime Minister.
1989: Resigns as PM, becoming Attorney-General.
1989: Made Member of the Order of Companions of Honour.
1989: Separates from Naomi.
1990: Resigns as Attorney-General.
1992: Marries Margaret Pope.
1996: Leaves Parliament.
2003: A winner of Right Livelihood Awards in Sweden for trying to rid world of nuclear weapons.
2003: Made Member of the Order of New Zealand.
2005: Dies August 13.