This is a collection of linked essays on individuals and companies from 1931 to 1984 who contributed in major ways to building the New Zealand nation. It captures the intertwining of the lives of politicians, their advisers, and those influence them, as well as the ideas and experiences that drove them. While it focuses on economic strategy, the book also looks at the cultural, social, union, business, and foreign policy strands of nationbuilding....

A highly personal account of the Rudd and Gillard governments from the heart of the Cabinet and the real story of how Australia avoided the Great Recession from the man recognised as the best treasurer in the world.