Labour mourns Bob Tizard

The New Zealand Labour Party is mourning the death yesterday of Bob Tizard.

Bob played a major role in the Party over many years. A Deputy Parliamentary Leader under Bill Rowling, he also held numerous portfolios in government. He was active in the wider Party and was an important contributor to the revitalisation of the Party in the 1960s.

Bob was a fierce and vocal advocate of Labour’s values and principles and of the role of the Party in New Zealand politics. He combined oratory and fearlessness with a forthright manner that took few prisoners in debate. His impact on politics was made all the greater by a formidable intellect.

In recent days, even as the seriousness of his illness became clear, Bob remained staunch to Labour values. He sent a message to the Party in which he laid out his advice – “plan, raise funds and then give people a clear, simple story about why they should vote Labour”. That commitment to the Party, even in his last days, says much about Bob’s fundamental roots in the Labour tradition.

The Labour movement today mourns Bob. We send our sincere condolences to his family.

ENDS

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