Sir Michael Cullen, Helen Clark's deputy prime minister and the father of New Zealand superannuation has died, aged 76.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern fought back tears as she remembered Sir Michael on Friday, saying he 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," she said.
"He fought for social justice at every turn ... New Zealand is so much the richer, in every sense of the word, for Michael's life."
Sir Michael is a genuine giant of the New Zealand Labour party, serving in parliament for 28 years and taking roles in two Labour governments.
Sir Michael rose to be Labour's deputy leader and finance minister during Ms Clark's three terms of government.
The current holder of that role, PM Grant Robertson, said Sir Michael's legacy was inspiring.
"As the architect of KiwiSaver, the New Zealand Super Fund, and (welfare program) Working For Families he has left behind an economically more secure country," Mr Robertson said.
"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."
Sir Michael was diagnosed with lung cancer last year, turning his hand to his memoirs, "Labour Saving", which were published in June.
One of his political proteges, East Coast MP Kiri Allan, drew out a line from the book while remembering him.
"I do wish to go gentle into that good night. Raging against the dying of the light is a pointless exercise ... death is no more than the space we make for others to live," he wrote.
Sir Michael is survived by wife Anne Collins, a former Labour MP, their four children and eight grandchildren
Speaker Trevor Mallard said there are plans for a small and private funeral.
A public memorial service in the Bay of Plenty town Taneatua is likely after the removal of COVID-19 restrictions.
