I think Bill deserves a bit of credit. He was a very good and steady Finance Minister. After taking over fast deteriorating books from the previous Government, due to their expensive election bribes, then being hit with the double whammy of the GFC and the biggest natural disaster in NZ´s history, he managed within a few years to get Government books into surplus without slashing benefits. In fact he was the first Finance Minister for decades to increase benefits in real terms.
Another big achievement for him personally has been his focus on effective social investment. Many, from across the political spectrum, admit very few have better knowledge of the real social ills facing NZ. He looked beyond meaningless statistics and focused on where the need was most critical. It is estimated that this focus in the last few years has reduced the number of children growing up in benefit dependant households by about 61,000.
That is real World stuff and real improvements in the life and possibilites of these young kids.
Shame on Labour for discontinuing it. No doubt worried about being held to account for delivery of real improvements
The 3rd thing he deserves a mention for is the huge number of Treaty of Waitangi settlements under his watch and driven by Chris Finlayson. Leaves Labour in shame on that front.
I say well done Bill and thank you. Good luck with future endeavours.