Former Labour deputy prime minister and minister of finance Michael Cullen has died in Whakatāne. He was 76.

Cullen was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in March 2020.

He was deputy prime minister in Helen Clark’s government from 2002 to 2008 and deputy leader of the party from 1996 until 2008. Cullen was also a former finance minister, minister of tertiary education and attorney-general.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said Cullen was one of the most influential figures in New Zealand politics over the last 40 years.  

“Intelligent, funny and kind he left a significant legacy for the country,” Ardern said.

“New Zealand is so much the richer, in every sense of the word, for Michael’s life. He gave his life to making this place better for everyone.”

She said Cullen fought for social justice.

“He was a great friend to me and to many of the Cabinet and Labour caucus. We will miss him terribly, and we are sending all our love to Anne and his family. We are devastated, but know that our grief is only a fraction of that which they will feel at the loss of a husband and father.

“For his whole adult life Michael has served his country with distinction and courage. As he himself said he has lived a long and very fulfilling life, one for which we are forever grateful. Rest in peace Sir Michael,” Ardern said.

Finance minister Grant Robertson said as the architect of KiwiSaver, the New Zealand Super Fund and Working For Families he left behind an economically more secure country.

“Each of these policies on their own would define a political career, but taken together they represent one of the most significant contributions any politician has made in recent times.”

National party leader Judith Collins said New Zealand is united today in sadness after Cullen’s death.

“Sir Michael was a consummate politician – a respected adversary and a man of absolute conviction.”

Collins said the Labour politician was a man of uncommon and uncompromising principle. 

“When he retired from politics in 2009, such was our respect for him we called on his vast skills and knowledge to chair New Zealand Post and Kiwibank, as well as appointing him to lead a wide-ranging review of New Zealand’s intelligence agencies.”

After exiting politics Cullen also chaired the Tax Working Group, the Earthquake Commission and worked as a negotiator on behalf of iwi including Ngati Tuwharetoa. 

Cullen contributed significantly to New Zealand society and will be greatly missed, BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope said.

"Sir Michael will be remembered with gratitude and respect, and the thoughts of the Business NZ Network are with Sir Michael's family on this sad day."

At statement from the Speaker's Office said a private family funeral service will take place as soon as that can occur. 

There will be a public memorial service, to be held in Tāneatua, in due course.

Cullen retired from Parliament in 2009.

He is survived by his wife Anne Collins, their four children (and partners), and eight grandchildren.