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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, where he grew 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 Dunedin, from grappling with his sexuality as a teenager, to his passion for music and a fleeting career managing bands, to his emerging political beliefs, and of 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, to 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 uniqueness 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, where he grew 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 Dunedin, from grappling with his sexuality as a teenager, to his passion for music and a fleeting career managing bands, to his emerging political beliefs, and of 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, to 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 uniqueness of Aotearoa and his optimism for its future.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 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.
September 1, 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 9, 2026
I have never been a fan of being the ‘Scandinavia’ or the ‘Singapore’ of the South Pacific. Maybe we have what we need here. We might not have fully harnessed it, understood or even found it, But it’s already here. Not perfect, by any means. But trying hard as a nation — to be good, to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, to treat each other how we wish to be treated.
Grant Robertson writes humanely and with intelligence.
God this book sucks.
Style
I understand that people look back and see thar a lot of money was spent. There were no costless decisions in COVID — and I am proud that we prioritised the lives and wellbeing of our people.
I, an individual with no experience in governing or writing a book, have thoughts about how you should write a book about governing.
Anything Could Happen is about Robertson’s personal experiences in government. That makes sense right?
Wrong.
What Anything Could Happen should be about is about how Robertson’s personal experiences in government maps directly onto what is good for New Zealand.
You never stop being a representative of your government.
You especially never stop being a senior representative of that government.
You especially, especially never stop being the MINISTER OF FINANCE.
The selling point of Robertson’s book is that he was the MINISTER OF FINANCE. Therefore I expect to learn how he made New Zealand better as a MINISTER OF FINANCE. I will deal with the substance of that role below, but from a stylistic perspective Robertson is too sucked into the personal. It does work on how homosexual law reform played out along with coalition negotiations during the Fifth Labour Government, but I cannot ignore that he was also the MINISTER OF FINANCE.
To the extent the political intrudes, the focus is on winning and score settling. I was bemused with National MP biographies that swept the Brash leadership saga under the rug, but the way Robertson trashes Cunliffe suggests discretion is the better part of valour. Robertson also rarely sells New Zealand as a good country to live in, whether as to natural wonders or human capital. As trite as it can come off, I would rather my national representative try and fail than not bother at all.
I have an example of Robertson not recognising the value of selling one’s own narcissism as being good for the country. Robertson was in the unluckiest generation attending university, arriving with the introduction of fees and relatively punitive student loans*. He rightly credits the 2005 interest free loan policy as an election winner. However the salesmanship is limp and focused on winning, not on the country’s health:
We were able to assure Helen that there was a massive constituency who would benefit from interest-free student loans: graduates with growing loan balances, current students looking to many years of debt ahead, and parents and grandparents worried about the future of their children and grandchildren.
Where it becomes even more baffling was that Labour introduced further student loan reforms in 2017 while he was the MINISTER OF FINANCE which Robertson devotes… …one line to. These were two massive upheavals that were directly of interest to Robertson, and he does nothing to sell it as good for New Zealand.
There is no shortage of examples of successfully merging the personal with the political. Susan Kedgley leveraged a minor governmental position to write a book about how feminism is a really good thing, maintaining a consistency of position that defined her career. Cullen’s Labour Saving eats Robertson alive as a political biography. Even Joyce’s puffery or Finlayson’s eccentricities are significantly superior. Considering Joyce’s reputation, it is ironic that Robertson comes across in Anything Could Happen as far more a dark master of winning elections rather than an actual leader. Robertson lurches to the 2023 election whinging about a bad back and checks out both then and, apparently, now.
Substance
I used to joke that one thing that Covid had spurred was a new branch of economics called Hindsight Economics. Looking back from 2025, it is easy to see ways we could have acted differently if only we had been able to predict the future. In the moment we wanted to look after people and support them through the shock of their lifetimes. And, fundamentally, to keep them alive.
Here’s a damning compliment.
Robertson’s description of his time as Minister of Sport is a perfect encapsulation of how to sell yourself and your role. He identifies a clear goal (increase female participation in sport), sets out three key milestones (hosting rights Women’s World Cups in Cricket, Football and Rugby), then describes how he achieved that. The chapter mixes in heartwarming anecdotes that also sell New Zealand (e.g. the crowd singing Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi post Rugby World Cup Final). This section of the book is coherent with a sense of progression, while still acknowledging set backs and work to be done (such as with coaches involved Cycling NZ). While there are bits to quibble with such as….uh… continued issues with coaching of women’s sports and a somewhat shameful dodge of the Laurel Hubbard saga, it sells the Sixth Labour’s government’s concept of kindness along with why it is awesome to be a New Zealander.
However, the MINISTER OF FINANCE is a much more important position than the minister of sport. Robertson was the MINISTER OF FINANCE during COVID and the subsequent cash splurge that may have staved off a Depression at the cost of inflation and debt levels. There are criticisms** as to how Labour managed that as to the quantity and quality of the spending, along with rumours of unnecessary expansions in public service employment. And Robertson… …seems kind of bored writing about it. It is not that it goes unmentioned, rather there is a lack of detail that would allow me to construct a defence of his actions, expecting the reader to be grateful for their survival. Robertson lapses into partisan politics by pointing out National’s hypocrisy, which is true only to the extent that the opposition get to be hypocrites – they are doing the job of criticising rather than forming complete policies. Robertson otherwise leaves the reader to assume that the spending plans were cool and good, even though economists of varying ideologies disagree (see Easton for example). ***
In the pre-COVID section, Robertson does have some more detail (though I note he excludes plenty, such as the Provincial Fund spending and how the Auckland light rail was to be funded). Robertson does not seem to like numbers. He is dismissive of economists generally on the basis of their alleged ideology which comes across as uninformed. Robertson dabbles in constructing an alternative measure of quality of life to GDP, buying into the concept of governing with “kindness” even though it became a derogatory stereotype. This comes off as an own goal, for by his preferred measure, were the unhappy protesters on Parliament grounds in 2022 proof of underperformance? Regardless of the statistical validity of the metric, it provides a measure with which to damn Labour (a sense of general malaise) rather than anything meaningful. I also have no contemporary memory of this measure, which suggests it was a dud.
Robertson is probably a nice guy, subject to certain vendettas. I regret voting for his party.
*We can argue the point about whether fees and loans are unfair, but he was relatively the unluckiest.
**weasel words but I am trying to keep citations to a minimum.
***There’s a solid citation.
On a side note, the book did reveal I am distantly related to him. One star for the association.
Grant Robertson writes humanely and with intelligence.
God this book sucks.
Style
I understand that people look back and see thar a lot of money was spent. There were no costless decisions in COVID — and I am proud that we prioritised the lives and wellbeing of our people.
I, an individual with no experience in governing or writing a book, have thoughts about how you should write a book about governing.
Anything Could Happen is about Robertson’s personal experiences in government. That makes sense right?
Wrong.
What Anything Could Happen should be about is about how Robertson’s personal experiences in government maps directly onto what is good for New Zealand.
You never stop being a representative of your government.
You especially never stop being a senior representative of that government.
You especially, especially never stop being the MINISTER OF FINANCE.
The selling point of Robertson’s book is that he was the MINISTER OF FINANCE. Therefore I expect to learn how he made New Zealand better as a MINISTER OF FINANCE. I will deal with the substance of that role below, but from a stylistic perspective Robertson is too sucked into the personal. It does work on how homosexual law reform played out along with coalition negotiations during the Fifth Labour Government, but I cannot ignore that he was also the MINISTER OF FINANCE.
To the extent the political intrudes, the focus is on winning and score settling. I was bemused with National MP biographies that swept the Brash leadership saga under the rug, but the way Robertson trashes Cunliffe suggests discretion is the better part of valour. Robertson also rarely sells New Zealand as a good country to live in, whether as to natural wonders or human capital. As trite as it can come off, I would rather my national representative try and fail than not bother at all.
I have an example of Robertson not recognising the value of selling one’s own narcissism as being good for the country. Robertson was in the unluckiest generation attending university, arriving with the introduction of fees and relatively punitive student loans*. He rightly credits the 2005 interest free loan policy as an election winner. However the salesmanship is limp and focused on winning, not on the country’s health:
We were able to assure Helen that there was a massive constituency who would benefit from interest-free student loans: graduates with growing loan balances, current students looking to many years of debt ahead, and parents and grandparents worried about the future of their children and grandchildren.
Where it becomes even more baffling was that Labour introduced further student loan reforms in 2017 while he was the MINISTER OF FINANCE which Robertson devotes… …one line to. These were two massive upheavals that were directly of interest to Robertson, and he does nothing to sell it as good for New Zealand.
There is no shortage of examples of successfully merging the personal with the political. Susan Kedgley leveraged a minor governmental position to write a book about how feminism is a really good thing, maintaining a consistency of position that defined her career. Cullen’s Labour Saving eats Robertson alive as a political biography. Even Joyce’s puffery or Finlayson’s eccentricities are significantly superior. Considering Joyce’s reputation, it is ironic that Robertson comes across in Anything Could Happen as far more a dark master of winning elections rather than an actual leader. Robertson lurches to the 2023 election whinging about a bad back and checks out both then and, apparently, now.
Substance
I used to joke that one thing that Covid had spurred was a new branch of economics called Hindsight Economics. Looking back from 2025, it is easy to see ways we could have acted differently if only we had been able to predict the future. In the moment we wanted to look after people and support them through the shock of their lifetimes. And, fundamentally, to keep them alive.
Here’s a damning compliment.
Robertson’s description of his time as Minister of Sport is a perfect encapsulation of how to sell yourself and your role. He identifies a clear goal (increase female participation in sport), sets out three key milestones (hosting rights Women’s World Cups in Cricket, Football and Rugby), then describes how he achieved that. The chapter mixes in heartwarming anecdotes that also sell New Zealand (e.g. the crowd singing Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi post Rugby World Cup Final). This section of the book is coherent with a sense of progression, while still acknowledging set backs and work to be done (such as with coaches involved Cycling NZ). While there are bits to quibble with such as….uh… continued issues with coaching of women’s sports and a somewhat shameful dodge of the Laurel Hubbard saga, it sells the Sixth Labour’s government’s concept of kindness along with why it is awesome to be a New Zealander.
However, the MINISTER OF FINANCE is a much more important position than the minister of sport. Robertson was the MINISTER OF FINANCE during COVID and the subsequent cash splurge that may have staved off a Depression at the cost of inflation and debt levels. There are criticisms** as to how Labour managed that as to the quantity and quality of the spending, along with rumours of unnecessary expansions in public service employment. And Robertson… …seems kind of bored writing about it. It is not that it goes unmentioned, rather there is a lack of detail that would allow me to construct a defence of his actions, expecting the reader to be grateful for their survival. Robertson lapses into partisan politics by pointing out National’s hypocrisy, which is true only to the extent that the opposition get to be hypocrites – they are doing the job of criticising rather than forming complete policies. Robertson otherwise leaves the reader to assume that the spending plans were cool and good, even though economists of varying ideologies disagree (see Easton for example). ***
In the pre-COVID section, Robertson does have some more detail (though I note he excludes plenty, such as the Provincial Fund spending and how the Auckland light rail was to be funded). Robertson does not seem to like numbers. He is dismissive of economists generally on the basis of their alleged ideology which comes across as uninformed. Robertson dabbles in constructing an alternative measure of quality of life to GDP, buying into the concept of governing with “kindness” even though it became a derogatory stereotype. This comes off as an own goal, for by his preferred measure, were the unhappy protesters on Parliament grounds in 2022 proof of underperformance? Regardless of the statistical validity of the metric, it provides a measure with which to damn Labour (a sense of general malaise) rather than anything meaningful. I also have no contemporary memory of this measure, which suggests it was a dud.
Robertson is probably a nice guy, subject to certain vendettas. I regret voting for his party.
*We can argue the point about whether fees and loans are unfair, but he was relatively the unluckiest.
**weasel words but I am trying to keep citations to a minimum.
***There’s a solid citation.
On a side note, the book did reveal I am distantly related to him. One star for the association.
April 21, 2026
As a pols nerd I really enjoyed this book! The details of his time at Parliament/Beehive were insightful. This book made me laugh, get emotional and feel hopeful that people like him remain in politics. Ily Grant!
February 7, 2026
This is a beautifully written book about important events that have shaped my life, by a man that I admire. I have to give it 5 stars.
I felt sad reading a lot of this. Sad for all the young Grants growing up with a secret, scared to talk about. And sad for what we have lost in the last couple of years as a country, following a very shap shift to the political right, and a small but insidious underbelly of hate that is mostly being funded and ramped up by international groups. But I have to hold onto some hope too.
Politics aside (sort of) I've always loved history, especially social histories. Increasingly (and I guess this happens as you get older!) I've been reading about history I lived through, and have found looking back on things with the perspective of a few more years so fascinating. Grant and I are the same age and started university the same year. I attended protests against student fees that he was part of making happen. Reading back over that period now from his perspective, and with my own political insight, was so interesting!
There is a lot of love for Jacinda Ardern out there still, despite the horrific hate campaigns waged against her. Reading this, I have a new appreciation for the massive role played by the Minister of Finance in the kindness revolution of her Government.
Loved this book. It's probably got a somewhat niche audience, but was a very enjoyable read for me.
I felt sad reading a lot of this. Sad for all the young Grants growing up with a secret, scared to talk about. And sad for what we have lost in the last couple of years as a country, following a very shap shift to the political right, and a small but insidious underbelly of hate that is mostly being funded and ramped up by international groups. But I have to hold onto some hope too.
Politics aside (sort of) I've always loved history, especially social histories. Increasingly (and I guess this happens as you get older!) I've been reading about history I lived through, and have found looking back on things with the perspective of a few more years so fascinating. Grant and I are the same age and started university the same year. I attended protests against student fees that he was part of making happen. Reading back over that period now from his perspective, and with my own political insight, was so interesting!
There is a lot of love for Jacinda Ardern out there still, despite the horrific hate campaigns waged against her. Reading this, I have a new appreciation for the massive role played by the Minister of Finance in the kindness revolution of her Government.
Loved this book. It's probably got a somewhat niche audience, but was a very enjoyable read for me.
May 22, 2026
This is not a book to read if you're expecting deep and critical insights in Labour or Ardern's government. In those aspects he takes a step back, and those parts of the book can read like a policy document as he recounts various programmes and associated statistics. Specific parts I quite liked, namely on his upbringing and the chapter on his experience as Minister of Sport which I found to be surprisingly engaging. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in NZ politics, especially because it reads well and it's not too long. But don't go into this book expecting to learn anything crazy or that you couldn't discover on Grant's wikipedia page.
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 1, 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.
August 22, 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
February 1, 2026
Incredibly readable account both of Grant's life and also of politics and the Covid years in Aotearoa New Zealand. Grant is and was a lovely guy, with fewer filters than some politicians. As a Wellington Central voter I saw and chatted with him often. I'm not in the book but I know many of the other people in it. I endorse Grant's assessment of them, including the criticisms of some of the other politicians like DC.
This book would be interesting for people interested in New Zealand politics or interested in recent queer history or both. Grant realized he was gay early on, and related personally to legal changes in New Zealand including civil union legislation and later on marriage equality. In many ways the book is also a love letter to his partner (now husband) Alf. It's great to have so much happiness shine through, on top of the stresses of politics and helping to lead the coutry through Covid.
This book would be interesting for people interested in New Zealand politics or interested in recent queer history or both. Grant realized he was gay early on, and related personally to legal changes in New Zealand including civil union legislation and later on marriage equality. In many ways the book is also a love letter to his partner (now husband) Alf. It's great to have so much happiness shine through, on top of the stresses of politics and helping to lead the coutry through Covid.
July 8, 2026
this is the heartfelt story of grant robertson's life up to the time that he left politics; he is very honest in his telling, sharing painful personal experiences that accompanied his public life. he writes very much the way he speaks, unapologetically using kiwi slang - i laughed out loud when he wrote about something "going down like a cup of cold sick."
having grown up in dunedin just a few years ahead of grant with many similar experiences along the way, and knowing him personally, made this book an especially good read for me. however even for those who don't get all the te reo or slang or specifically kiwi references, it's still a well-written, at times humorous and fascinating story of one person's navigation of the ups and downs of politics during a particularly tumultuous time. some might think it's too soon to be written, but the time was obviously right for him. thanks, grant!
having grown up in dunedin just a few years ahead of grant with many similar experiences along the way, and knowing him personally, made this book an especially good read for me. however even for those who don't get all the te reo or slang or specifically kiwi references, it's still a well-written, at times humorous and fascinating story of one person's navigation of the ups and downs of politics during a particularly tumultuous time. some might think it's too soon to be written, but the time was obviously right for him. thanks, grant!
February 23, 2026
Some people lead truly interesting lives so getting to experience it through his own words and stories is great.
One thing that was obvious before even reading the book is that Grant Robertson was a politocian who cared about people. he was in it for the right reasons and achieved many important wins for the average kiwi.
But I was disapointed around the covid stories in this book. I know this book was bigger than just covid, but that was such a major thing in all our lifetimes and the retelling of that time seemed very light. He glossed over many of the big achievements and hardly touched on the failures.
I guess that was intentional and he shouldn't be judged by covid alone, but for someone who cares so much for people it just didn't do that period of time justice.
Well worth a read tho
One thing that was obvious before even reading the book is that Grant Robertson was a politocian who cared about people. he was in it for the right reasons and achieved many important wins for the average kiwi.
But I was disapointed around the covid stories in this book. I know this book was bigger than just covid, but that was such a major thing in all our lifetimes and the retelling of that time seemed very light. He glossed over many of the big achievements and hardly touched on the failures.
I guess that was intentional and he shouldn't be judged by covid alone, but for someone who cares so much for people it just didn't do that period of time justice.
Well worth a read tho
March 23, 2026
While in Parliament, and then Government, he was a part of these things that I'd like to remember and so am listing them here:
-the Mondayisation of ANZAC and Waitangi Day public holidays and then introducing a whole new public holiday for Matarangi
-the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care
-restarting contributions to the NZ Superannuation Fund in Dec 2017 (they had been paused by National in 2009)
-as Minister of Finance, introduced the first Wellbeing budget, based on a framework from the OECD’s Better Life Index and developed as a whole of government approach – where Ministries plan together rather than separately
-and as Minister for Sport brought THREE international women’s world cup sporting events to us: cricket, rugby, and football
Legend. Thank you!!
-the Mondayisation of ANZAC and Waitangi Day public holidays and then introducing a whole new public holiday for Matarangi
-the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care
-restarting contributions to the NZ Superannuation Fund in Dec 2017 (they had been paused by National in 2009)
-as Minister of Finance, introduced the first Wellbeing budget, based on a framework from the OECD’s Better Life Index and developed as a whole of government approach – where Ministries plan together rather than separately
-and as Minister for Sport brought THREE international women’s world cup sporting events to us: cricket, rugby, and football
Legend. Thank you!!
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.
July 7, 2026
Heartfelt
I appreciated hearing about Grant's early days in Dunedin, including all the angst and the growing pains. His retelling of his rather dramatic family life makes engaging reading.
His steady rise through student politics all the way to the national level was fascinating, as though he was living out a certain destiny. The fact that he served during the extremely memorable COVID/Jacinda Ardern era makes for even more excitement and dramatic intensity.
I think three things make Grant's story particularly enjoyable: his humor (often self-deprecating), his natural humility and finally his heartfelt authenticity. He doesn't put on airs, he's the real deal.
Highly recommended, especially for fans of Dunedin, Jacinda, or New Zealand politics.
I appreciated hearing about Grant's early days in Dunedin, including all the angst and the growing pains. His retelling of his rather dramatic family life makes engaging reading.
His steady rise through student politics all the way to the national level was fascinating, as though he was living out a certain destiny. The fact that he served during the extremely memorable COVID/Jacinda Ardern era makes for even more excitement and dramatic intensity.
I think three things make Grant's story particularly enjoyable: his humor (often self-deprecating), his natural humility and finally his heartfelt authenticity. He doesn't put on airs, he's the real deal.
Highly recommended, especially for fans of Dunedin, Jacinda, or New Zealand politics.
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.
January 1, 2026
It was interesting to read this right after Jacinda Ardern’s book to compare their perspectives. I enjoyed this one a bit more as it felt more locally grounded and didn’t spend as much time explaining things for an international audience. Grant is an entertaining storyteller and while the writing isn’t always the most polished it has a lot of charm. I particularly enjoyed reading about his time in Dunedin and his return there after politics.
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.
June 18, 2026
Democracy is in danger here in NZ, as elsewhere, we need more Grant Robertsons.
I loved this book and Grant’s retelling of the period in NZ politics that I’m most familiar with. I wish all politicians were as intelligent, compassionate and socially aware as he is. As a swinging voter (left swinging), I’m now definitely swinging back to Labour for this year’s election.
I loved this book and Grant’s retelling of the period in NZ politics that I’m most familiar with. I wish all politicians were as intelligent, compassionate and socially aware as he is. As a swinging voter (left swinging), I’m now definitely swinging back to Labour for this year’s election.
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