From the Office of the Mayor-elect.
Hamilton City Council has lowered the New Zealand flag, and the Council flag, on its building to half-mast this week, following the passing of New Zealand’s 35th Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jim Bolger, on 15 October 2025.
Mr Bolger served as New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, leading New Zealand through a period of significant political and social change.
A prime minister known for both his pragmatism and his strong sense of justice, Mr Bolger will be remembered for the pivotal role he played in reshaping Crown-Māori relations, overseeing a critical phase for the Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
Mayor-Elect Tim Macindoe said Mr Bolger’s passing marked the end of an era for New Zealand politics. His service to this country will be warmly remembered.
“Jim Bolger’s legacy is one of courage and integrity. He was not afraid to have difficult conversations or to make the tough decisions necessary to prepare New Zealand for the future,” Mr Macindoe said.
“His transformational leadership helped advance reconciliation between the Crown and Māori and stimulate the Māori economy through the early Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
I valued his firm views, independence of thought, and his enduring commitment to building a stronger, fairer New Zealand. I particularly appreciated the role he played in driving the historic Waikato-Tainui Raupatu 1995 settlement, which has had a lasting benefit for the stimulation of Māori entrepreneurship and regional development.
Jim served from 1972-98 as MP for the King Country and remained deeply connected to our region throughout his life. We are proud to call him one of our own. On behalf of Hamilton Kirikiriroa and Hamilton City Council, I send my sincere condolences to Joan and the Bolger family and friends.”
Although his time as a Member of Parliament did not overlap with Mr Bolger’s term, Mr Macindoe met with Mr Bolger regularly and developed a warm relationship with him and his wife Joan.
Before entering politics, Mr Bolger farmed in the Waikato and was an active member of Federated Farmers. As Chancellor of the University of Waikato from 2007 to 2019, Mr Bolger played a significant role in the direction of the University for over a decade, a further demonstration of his commitment to public service and the pursuit of excellence.
The flags will remain at half-mast until after Mr Bolger’s funeral, as a mark of respect for his remarkable contribution to New Zealand and the Waikato region.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Natasha (Tash) Lawrance
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
022 850 3560