New Zealand’s Ex-Prime Minister Jim Bolger has passed away at the age of 90 following kidney failure, his family confirmed Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The former National Party leader died peacefully surrounded by his wife Joan, nine children and 18 grandchildren at his home.
The political figure served as Prime Minister from 1990 until 1997 after entering parliament in 1972 and becoming National Party leader in 1986. Bolger had been undergoing dialysis treatment since suffering kidney failure last year, according to family representatives.
The former leader oversaw New Zealand's controversial 1991 budget that severely cut welfare and health spending while deregulating the nation's labor market.
Bolger administration also introduced the mixed member proportional electoral system that remains in use today and initiated the first treaty settlements between Māori tribes and the government.
The deceased political figure later disavowed the neoliberal economic policies he once championed, telling the media in 2017 the system had failed to produce adequate growth.
The former prime minister served as New Zealand's ambassador to the United States from 1998 to 2002 after retiring from politics.
Current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Bolger as "a principled and formidable colleague" while opposition leader Chris Hipkins praised his ability to acknowledge growing inequality in later years.
Māori leaders credited Bolger with modernizing reconciliation processes that brought New Zealand closer together.
