Jim Bolger's first Finance Minister says the former Prime Minister - who died yesterday aged 90 - sometimes sold himself short. 

Bolger served as an MP from 1972 and led the country for seven years. 

Ruth Richardson says in recent years, Bolger criticised some neo-liberal policies he oversaw.

She says Bolger made tough decisions at a tough time. 

"His hand was forced by dreadful economic circumstances that we faced - a real baptism of fire. We did what was right."

LISTEN ABOVE

Jim Bolger's first Finance Minister says the former Prime Minister - who died yesterday aged 90 - sometimes sold himself short.&nbsp;
Bolger served as an MP from 1972 and led the country for seven years.&nbsp;
Ruth Richardson says in recent years, Bolger criticised some neo-liberal policies he oversaw.
She says Bolger made tough decisions at a tough time.&nbsp;
"His hand was forced by dreadful economic circumstances that we faced - a real baptism of fire. We did what was right."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Ruth Richardson: former Finance Minister on Jim Bolger's legacy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3c16abdc-f502-4590-ac2e-b378005116d5/transcript