Jim Bolger, the Great Helmsman, remembered as unpretentious leader of conviction

Political leaders are remembering former prime minister Jim Bolger as a "towering figure" and a "man of his word".

The former prime minister died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his nine children, 18 grandchildren and wife Joan, his family said.

In a statement, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged Bolger's death with "deep sadness".

"Jim Bolger was a towering figure in New Zealand's political life - a leader of conviction, a reformer of consequence, and a servant of the people whose legacy has shaped our nation in profound and lasting ways."

'A licence to reform'

Bolger's former Finance minister Ruth Richardson told Morning Report one of his most remarkable features was that when he needed to show "policy bravery" he would deliver.

"My tribute to him is: when he faced the fire, he didn't flinch," she said.

At the time the country faced "a financial horror story" with double-digit inflation, a deficit, the BNZ was broke and "we were drowning in debt".

"While Jim's hand was forced no doubt, he gave me and my colleagues a licence to reform."

When tough decisions were called for, such as the reversal of the superannnuation surcharge, which National had promised to scrap, Bolger didn't resile, Richardson said.

However, she agreed after he left office, Bolger went 180 degrees on many of the policies he'd supported.

On her own sacking as Finance minister by Bolger, Richardson said he told her she could have any other portfolio. However, she felt her fiscal work was "finished business".

'He wanted to empower Māori' - Sir John Key

Former prime minister Sir John Key said Bolger was an engaging man of strong opinions but these weren't expressed in a forceful manner.

"He loved the idea of politics and what it could do and the way it could transform lives."

In all his discussions with Bolger the lasting memory was the joy that he got around race relations and the Treaty, Key said.

"He was incredibly proud of the work he did with Sir Doug Graham ... and really felt it had been transformational for New Zealand."

Bolger believed injustices had taken place and he saw real potential in Māori. He believed they would achieve success if money flowed to them through iwi organisations and this had come to fruition, Key said.

"He wanted to empower Māori and to help future generations. ... Jim wasn't afraid of voicing views and activating views that weren't always consistent with every National supporter or every New Zealander."

Bolger often rang Key while he was prime minister to offer his views.

"He would often say I wasn't quite his cup of tea but he was relieved Bill English [former Finance minister] was there so that was good."

'Significant change'

Elected to Parliament in 1972, Bolger served the country over more than three decades "with dignity and a deep sense of public duty", Luxon said.

He was prime minister from 1990 to 1997.

"He led New Zealand through a time of significant change - modernising the economy, forging stronger relations with our international partners, and helping to shape the MMP electoral system that continues to serve our democracy today.

"While his government was sometimes tested by the scale and pace of reform, he never wavered in his belief that the role of leadership was to prepare a better future, not merely manage the present."

Bolger never allowed disagreement with political opponents to become personal, Luxon said, and his legacy would be "studied, debated, and respected for generations".

Sir Don McKinnon, who was his deputy for seven years, said Bolger combined "Irish charm" with a commitment to what was best for New Zealand in his work.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who led the first MMP government with Bolger from 1996, said he served as prime minister during a difficult period of transition.

"Everyone with a knowledge of New Zealand political history from the late 1980s and early 1990s will know that the two of us sometimes had our policy differences!" Peters said in a statement.

"As the leader of Mr Bolger's coalition partner, I can attest he was a man of his word. He did what he said he would do - and we ran our Coalition Government with integrity, focus and a fidelity to New Zealanders who had delivered a majority to our two political parties."

The Foreign Affairs Minister also acknowledged Bolger's work as ambassador to the United States, following his departure from politics.

Former prime minister Helen Clark said she was deeply saddened by Bolger's death.

"Jim was deeply committed to NZ & served our country selflessly. My heart goes out to Joan and all the Bolger family at this sad time," she said on social media.

'A very steady hand' for a decade

Sir Don McKinnon who was his deputy prime minister for six years from 1990 said Bolger was a man who was very committed to the country, region and his family.

"He had a good feel for the country."

The National government had come into office at a "volcanic" time when the economy had almost collapsed and the share market was down by 40 percent.

"He provided a very steady hand really for the next decade."

Problems facing the government included New Zealand's fractured relationship with the United States, France and Britain and major changes were needed for labour laws. As well, trade needed to be steered towards Asia.

"There was a lot going on and that alienated a lot of people."

Despite having 27 new members in caucus Bolger managed it well and was skilled at keeping things steady.

"He was very personable ... We did have to do some pretty unpopular things. It was a degree of Irish charm ... he knew where he wanted the country to go."

One of Bolger's biggest legacies was his positive committment to deal with Treaty claims relating to confiscated land despite there being an even split with those who supported or were opposed in his caucus.

"It was the right thing to do ... we remained unpopular over that for probably the better part of 20 years over it," McKinnon said

1996 was the first election to be held under MMP and after it Bolger - nicknamed The Great Helmsman - formed a coalition government with New Zealand First.

He was able to to work with Peters despite having sacked him two years earlier.

"It still wasn't easy."

McKinnon said Bolger never allowed arguments to fester and prioritised what was best for the country.

His appointment as ambassador to the US proved an ideal choice, and he had the skills to manage a "fractious" relationship with the US and put it back on an even keel.

"It was a very very good move for us to make and it paid off for some time after that."

'An unpretentious guy'

ACT leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said Bolger was an "unpretentious guy" who had helped usher New Zealand into a modern futue.

"He was a unique New Zealander with a deep sense of belonging and a responsibility to take New Zealand into the future. He did that very well."

Mayor elect of Kāpiti Coast Janet Holborow said Bolger will remembered for his service as prime minister and internationally, and also for his service to the community of Kāpiti during his retirement in Waikanae.

"Jim Bolger was a present and valued member of the Kāpiti community, and he will be missed as a person with deep insights and principles," Holborow said.

"With strong views on the importance of acknowledging responding to climate change, he led an important long-term piece of work to plan for coastal adaptation, alongside former Governor General Jerry Mataparae and experts in the field."

Bolger was also a regular at business community events and attended and spoke at many other events in the community.

The New Zealand flag will fly at half-mast on all government and public buildings on Thursday as a mark of respect.

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