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Anything Could Happen
A fascinating and in-depth insight into the remarkable life and career of one of the most influential and adroit politicians of his generation
In this illuminating and beautifully written book, Grant Robertson reflects on the major events in his life, from growing up in a loving but complex family, through to his highly successful career as a Labour politician and becoming Finance Minister in the Ardern government during one of New Zealand history's most tumultuous times.
A natural storyteller, Robertson writes memorably about his childhood and teen years in grappling with his sexuality as a teenager, his passion for music and a fleeting career managing bands, his emerging political beliefs, and being told the shocking news that his father had been stealing from his employer and was facing imprisonment.
Robertson paints a vivid picture of life inside parliament — including his time in opposition, where he learnt at the feet of Helen Clark, and the immense privilege and responsibility of being Finance Minister, none more so than when the Covid-19 pandemic threatened to decimate New Zealand's economy.
In recounting the challenges he faced, Robertson writes honestly about how politics works, and why it matters, and his belief in the unique potential of Aotearoa and his optimism for its future.
In this illuminating and beautifully written book, Grant Robertson reflects on the major events in his life, from growing up in a loving but complex family, through to his highly successful career as a Labour politician and becoming Finance Minister in the Ardern government during one of New Zealand history's most tumultuous times.
A natural storyteller, Robertson writes memorably about his childhood and teen years in grappling with his sexuality as a teenager, his passion for music and a fleeting career managing bands, his emerging political beliefs, and being told the shocking news that his father had been stealing from his employer and was facing imprisonment.
Robertson paints a vivid picture of life inside parliament — including his time in opposition, where he learnt at the feet of Helen Clark, and the immense privilege and responsibility of being Finance Minister, none more so than when the Covid-19 pandemic threatened to decimate New Zealand's economy.
In recounting the challenges he faced, Robertson writes honestly about how politics works, and why it matters, and his belief in the unique potential of Aotearoa and his optimism for its future.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2025
32 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 13, 2025
Another one ticked off in my ongoing quest to read NZ political biographies/memoirs/etc. While this was interesting in Grant's backstory (his dad went to prison for stealing money while an employee!), especially his journey coming out as gay, the substantive reflections on politics and (most importantly) policy were light. The juicy story of Ardern's rise to PM after Labour's years in the wildnerness I already knew, and Lloyd Burr's podcast does this justice. As does Andrea Vance's description of the Nats' woeful Bridges-Muller-Judith period. I felt as if I learnt very little of his views on the covid response and the corresponding economic response, handwaved away as 'Hindsight Economics'. I would've loved some actual views about the RBNZ given recent events, or the size and method of our stimulus. Many other things fall into this bucket. Ultimately it was short, fun and readable and was never going to stir controversy that could hurt Labour with the general election in our sights.
November 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & learnt a lot about politics - I’m honestly not sure why anyone would want to be one. He truly deserves a life of happiness in Dunedin.
September 14, 2025
Such an interesting experience to read this alongside listening to Jacinda’s audiobook with Kirsty —> seeing the same events reflected through two different perspectives really adds to both. I learnt a lot about Grant, about the Sports and Finance portfolios and came away with a real, deeply moving sense of his values and enduring vision, but would’ve appreciated a deeper dive into the more recent memory years of 2019-2023, and its resulting defraying of our social fabric. Overall, would recommend to all - it is very well written, keeps rollicking along, and manages to be detailed while also maintaining privacy
September 20, 2025
mostly interesting but some boring bits with figures. easy to skip and probably interesting to those with higher IQs than me
November 26, 2025
I have always respected this man. Even more so now. Great to read his recounting of the financial decisions made by the Labour govt- good and not so. And...Dunedin sounds like my kind of place. One day soon I will visit. NZ was so lucky to have you Grant. Thank you. 🙏
September 7, 2025
Reads like the man he is.
December 28, 2025
A rollicking read providing an insider's view of how the political machinations and government of recent times work.
Doesn't make me feel any more inclined to become a politician than before reading it (i.e. still at 0% despite bitterly wanting to do something to help improve society and "our lot"), but it does make the advisor role seem more appealing than I could have imagined.
Who would be a politician? Billy Connelly had a theory, which said something like "Those who most want to be a politician are exactly the types of people who should be prevented from becoming one".
While Grant Robertson comes across as an affable character, with strong, human-based principles and a will to improve peoples' lot, perhaps, sadly, that was his undoing at every leadership opportunity. Too affable and too principled to make it in the cut&thrust, 'House of Cards', Machiavellian world of politics.
Much better to be investing his time in development of future talent, full-circle, back in his beautiful home town of Dunedin. A fitting reward for 30 years of caring, and trying to make a difference.
As for the book, I found the first half much more engaging in the rambling tales of his first 25 odd years - highly funny, entertaining and almost mesmerising for someone who grew up in the same location at around the same time.
The contemporary politics, while I thought would be highly riveting, engaged me less.
I did enjoy the little digs (or more so, what he explicitly said or didn't say when you knew what he was thinking when he wrote the sentence) at some of his colleagues on all sides of the floor.
And I love the hat-tip to 80s Dunedin in the title! Bravo.
Doesn't make me feel any more inclined to become a politician than before reading it (i.e. still at 0% despite bitterly wanting to do something to help improve society and "our lot"), but it does make the advisor role seem more appealing than I could have imagined.
Who would be a politician? Billy Connelly had a theory, which said something like "Those who most want to be a politician are exactly the types of people who should be prevented from becoming one".
While Grant Robertson comes across as an affable character, with strong, human-based principles and a will to improve peoples' lot, perhaps, sadly, that was his undoing at every leadership opportunity. Too affable and too principled to make it in the cut&thrust, 'House of Cards', Machiavellian world of politics.
Much better to be investing his time in development of future talent, full-circle, back in his beautiful home town of Dunedin. A fitting reward for 30 years of caring, and trying to make a difference.
As for the book, I found the first half much more engaging in the rambling tales of his first 25 odd years - highly funny, entertaining and almost mesmerising for someone who grew up in the same location at around the same time.
The contemporary politics, while I thought would be highly riveting, engaged me less.
I did enjoy the little digs (or more so, what he explicitly said or didn't say when you knew what he was thinking when he wrote the sentence) at some of his colleagues on all sides of the floor.
And I love the hat-tip to 80s Dunedin in the title! Bravo.
September 15, 2025
Grant Robertson's memoir Anything Could Happen provides an engaging, funny, and powerful insight into the life and career of perhaps New Zealand's most impactful Finance Minister in recent memory.
Robertson gives the reader glimpses into various periods of his life in a succinct, nicely divided structure. Each chapter provides lessons learnt, troubles toiled, and successes celebrated. The detail of his father's offending and imprisonment is particularly interesting. While many children see their parents battle with substance abuse, and perhaps violence, such a short, sharp fall from grace is rarely seen or discussed. Robertson's discussion of this aspect of his life, aside details of grappling with his sexuality, provides an interesting backdrop for his future career.
The humility Robertson shows throughout his reflections is admirable. It is common for memoirs to become exercises in defence and self-aggrandisement. Robertson, however, provides accounts of what occurred from his perspective, gives explanations, and notes errors that occurred along the way. This honesty gives the whole piece a feeling of openness and insight that makes it all the more engaging.
With brilliant pieces of prose littered throughout, Robertson really flexes his writing chops in the final pages of the epilogue. The reflections on what we have achieved, and where we still need to go are very powerful. A great memoir all around.
Robertson gives the reader glimpses into various periods of his life in a succinct, nicely divided structure. Each chapter provides lessons learnt, troubles toiled, and successes celebrated. The detail of his father's offending and imprisonment is particularly interesting. While many children see their parents battle with substance abuse, and perhaps violence, such a short, sharp fall from grace is rarely seen or discussed. Robertson's discussion of this aspect of his life, aside details of grappling with his sexuality, provides an interesting backdrop for his future career.
The humility Robertson shows throughout his reflections is admirable. It is common for memoirs to become exercises in defence and self-aggrandisement. Robertson, however, provides accounts of what occurred from his perspective, gives explanations, and notes errors that occurred along the way. This honesty gives the whole piece a feeling of openness and insight that makes it all the more engaging.
With brilliant pieces of prose littered throughout, Robertson really flexes his writing chops in the final pages of the epilogue. The reflections on what we have achieved, and where we still need to go are very powerful. A great memoir all around.
November 3, 2025
This was an interesting read. II found he personal side more engaging than the political side of the book surprisingly. The personal side was so interesting - we learn that his dad went to prison for stealing money from his employer!!!!!! and his journey through coming out as gay and retelling of his connection to 9/11 and how he lost a close friend in the towers. The book had it all and most of it was surprising to be from someone who seems like such a quiet, strait-laced politician.
The political side off the book was engaging enough but having just recently listened to Jacinda Ardern’s audiobook, it felt like there was a lot of cross over so most of that retelling was events I had already known about but it was still interesting to see Grant’s perspective of the same events, it just was a tad too repetitive for me as they pretty much covered the exact same events. I would have rather seen more of Robertson’s specific politics through his portfolios and his own personal ideals rather than just his role as Deputy to Ardern. But this is a just a slight grip as the book is still a worthy read.
The political side off the book was engaging enough but having just recently listened to Jacinda Ardern’s audiobook, it felt like there was a lot of cross over so most of that retelling was events I had already known about but it was still interesting to see Grant’s perspective of the same events, it just was a tad too repetitive for me as they pretty much covered the exact same events. I would have rather seen more of Robertson’s specific politics through his portfolios and his own personal ideals rather than just his role as Deputy to Ardern. But this is a just a slight grip as the book is still a worthy read.
September 1, 2025
Works very well as a companion piece to Jacinda Ardern’s memoir, since this is a straight-shooting first person account of her two terms in government. Some moments in this are quite powerful. Talking about the harassment at the hands of the cookers, and the political landscape in 2023, this is the most salient defence of Labours decisions and actions in the 2020s. It was an explanation that has been sorely absent in public discourse.
As someone living in Wellington at the time (a video of me is directly referenced in the book) I also enjoyed the numerous allusions to Wellington venues and suburbs. Definitely not for an international audience. This is a very “if you know you know” book, and that’s how I like it.
Could’ve used a few edits to punch up the readability. At one point Grant references offending someone and says it “turned the insult into injury.” That’s not the phrase. It makes it sound like someone was actually hurt. It makes the flow a bit weird, but still worth your time if you care about NZ politics
As someone living in Wellington at the time (a video of me is directly referenced in the book) I also enjoyed the numerous allusions to Wellington venues and suburbs. Definitely not for an international audience. This is a very “if you know you know” book, and that’s how I like it.
Could’ve used a few edits to punch up the readability. At one point Grant references offending someone and says it “turned the insult into injury.” That’s not the phrase. It makes it sound like someone was actually hurt. It makes the flow a bit weird, but still worth your time if you care about NZ politics
November 1, 2025
Interesting read, but again, despite being enjoyable, it lacks policy details. I wanted a specific "psychological analysis" of how he made decisions as Finance Minister, and from what angle, he attempted to resolve social and economic problems.
I saw very little of that, especially his income insurance idea, as well as the tax switch proposal from 2023. Being someone who loved Michael Cullen's autobiography, which was full of technical details on KiwiSaver and the NZ SuperFund, this book was a bit of a disappointment.
I don't regret reading it, but I wish Robertson put far greater details into the book. The section on his time as Minister of Sport was fascinating, though.
However, I did enjoy reading about Robertson's hatred of David Cunliffe and his leadership from 2013 until 2014.
I saw very little of that, especially his income insurance idea, as well as the tax switch proposal from 2023. Being someone who loved Michael Cullen's autobiography, which was full of technical details on KiwiSaver and the NZ SuperFund, this book was a bit of a disappointment.
I don't regret reading it, but I wish Robertson put far greater details into the book. The section on his time as Minister of Sport was fascinating, though.
However, I did enjoy reading about Robertson's hatred of David Cunliffe and his leadership from 2013 until 2014.
November 24, 2025
Was eager to read this, but there was no audiobook(!) so I literally whipped up a personal web app that I could copy and paste sections easily into my TTS app to generate narration
So I listened to this in 3-8 minute chunks, manually copied-and-pasted at a time..!
Would've definitely rather heard it in Grant's New Zealand accent.. But I was impatient.
Good book — good companion to my saga of Jacinda Ardern and New Zealand's recent history.
To anyone I might know IRL that might be reading this review — this is a very niche book and I wouldn't recommend it in general lol.
If you're from NZ, maybe I'd recommend it? I dunno. 4 stars though because I like Grant and it was insight I was very interested in reading.
So I listened to this in 3-8 minute chunks, manually copied-and-pasted at a time..!
Would've definitely rather heard it in Grant's New Zealand accent.. But I was impatient.
Good book — good companion to my saga of Jacinda Ardern and New Zealand's recent history.
To anyone I might know IRL that might be reading this review — this is a very niche book and I wouldn't recommend it in general lol.
If you're from NZ, maybe I'd recommend it? I dunno. 4 stars though because I like Grant and it was insight I was very interested in reading.
October 26, 2025
I was prompted to read this after reading Jacinda Adern's recent book. Although political memoirs are not my usual genre I was not disappointed.
At times there is a cross-over between Jacinda Adern and Roberton's writing. That said, it was interesting to see both the similar and different viewpoints to some of the situations they experienced over the last few years.
Grant Robertson is an intelligent and witty writer. He gives an insight into New Zealand politics, and also his own circumstances. At times I feel embarrassed by the behaviour of some of the public toward him, particularly, but not limited to the COVID years.
Well worth a read!
At times there is a cross-over between Jacinda Adern and Roberton's writing. That said, it was interesting to see both the similar and different viewpoints to some of the situations they experienced over the last few years.
Grant Robertson is an intelligent and witty writer. He gives an insight into New Zealand politics, and also his own circumstances. At times I feel embarrassed by the behaviour of some of the public toward him, particularly, but not limited to the COVID years.
Well worth a read!
November 1, 2025
An open and honest read from a politician who’s experienced what it’s like to be poor, have a dad in prison, and to repress his sexuality in the Dunedin of the 80’s. While he doesn’t claim to have got everything right it’s very clear that the guiding principle for him was thinking about how to make things better for New Zealanders.
It’s sad frankly that the “team of 5 million” has been split so far apart in recent years by neoliberal austerity politics and the power of the social media platforms to spark outrage and hatred.
This book reminds us of some kinder times, and that in a crisis we’re all better off pulling together.
It’s sad frankly that the “team of 5 million” has been split so far apart in recent years by neoliberal austerity politics and the power of the social media platforms to spark outrage and hatred.
This book reminds us of some kinder times, and that in a crisis we’re all better off pulling together.
December 2, 2025
An enjoyable book, a very honest account from childhood to current day. Loved the tales of University life and how his stint as union president played such a role in preparing Grant for his political career. I feel as though I know Grant already, he has that open transparent demeanor, so the easy relaxed style of his writing was what I expected. Incredibly fortunate or incredibly unlucky to be in politics and part of the history of Covid, Mosque attack alongside Jacinda and then cyclone Gabrielle. Thanks Grant for the insights, the energy, the ethics and values base from where you lead.
September 6, 2025
Reading Jacinda's memoir led me to this (being more or less ignorant of who Grant Robertson is, or was).
However, I really enjoyed it, ands he seems like a top bloke! Again it made me think what a fantastic job the Labour party/Jacinda did with the mosque terrorist attack and then COVID - stupid, short memories of the great NZ public, alas.
Might see if I can now read some National party person's biog, for a bit of perspective ... can't imagine it will change my mind though!
However, I really enjoyed it, ands he seems like a top bloke! Again it made me think what a fantastic job the Labour party/Jacinda did with the mosque terrorist attack and then COVID - stupid, short memories of the great NZ public, alas.
Might see if I can now read some National party person's biog, for a bit of perspective ... can't imagine it will change my mind though!
September 29, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this. I always found Grant Robertson’s straight talking during his time in politics very easy to digest. The same can be said of this autobiography. His Kiwi pragmatism, his sense of care and respect for fellow man comes through. A valuable read that takes the reader through the times of the pandemic, the intense life of a politician, and the joys of victory, and the despair of loss. A human read. Loved the photo story at the rear too.
September 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading this close to having finished Jacinda’s book. I nearly say this every time I read a memoir - I wanted more! Some things felt a bit brushed over. Found it so interesting to read about the detail and the why of budgets (who would’ve thought). Even though politics is described as relentless, it made me want to work in government.
October 5, 2025
Read it! We miss you Grant.
November 9, 2025
Grant is such a king - we need more politicians like this. Legend status 🫶
November 26, 2025
I have a new nz political hero and I am filled with so much zest and inspiration to become a politician myself
December 8, 2025
Such a captivating story, must read for anyone who is into NZ politics.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews