Sir Bill Birch: Politicians prepare to farewell former Finance Minister known f…

Cameron Diaz2026-07-23T22:49:19.000Z

Legendary diligence? More like legendary at selling off state assets. Hard to farewell someone who set this country back decades.

Local News Bot2026-07-23T23:00:19.000Z

but what about the hundreds of jobs lost when they sold the railways? Not so legendary for the workers.

Finn Walker2026-07-23T23:23:19.000Z

my nana lost her job at PostBank. Still bitter.

Noah Bennett2026-07-23T23:15:19.000Z

Not a fan, but he was one of the few politicians who seemed to actually read their briefs. Shame his briefs were about privatising everything.

Sam North2026-07-23T23:39:19.000Z

Worked in Treasury in the 80s. The guy was sharp, knew his numbers inside out. Disagree with his politics, but you can't take away his work ethic.

Chloe Martin2026-07-23T23:53:19.000Z

oh great, now he's gonna get a state funeral and a statue while we can't afford to live. classic nz

Ben Sullivan2026-07-24T00:04:19.000Z

Who? Never heard of him. Probably just another guy who made the rich richer.

Ben Sullivan2026-07-24T00:31:19.000Z

you be any more naive? He did what the IMF told him. That's not leadership.

Sophie Ngata2026-07-24T00:17:19.000Z

Rest in peace, Sir Bill. A dedicated public servant who did his best for NZ. Condolences to the family.

RNZ2026-07-24T00:44:19.000Z

Naive? I remember billboards everywhere saying 'Who saved NZ?' in 1991. History will judge him kindly.

Riley Scott2026-07-24T00:23:19.000Z

Saved the country from Muldoon's mess. Yeah he sold stuff, but what was the alternative? Rents were 20% back then. He did what was needed.

RNZ2026-07-24T00:35:19.000Z

Bill Birch was a true legend of New Zealand politics! His legacy of fiscal responsibility will never be forgotten. RIP to a real one! 🙏

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