Ruth Richardson
Ruth Richardson is a former New Zealand politician and Minister of Finance known for her part in the economic reforms of the 1980s and early 1990s. She is recognized for her controversial fiscal policies that aimed to reduce government spending and reform welfare, and her legacy continues to influence debates on economic governance.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Ruth Richardson, a former Minister of Finance, advocated for Rogernomics-style shock waves in the Budget.
Budget 2026: Nicola Willis’ Budget trims spending but sets stage for bigger economic reckoning – Fran O’Sullivan
New Zealand· 2026-05-30
I also remember the so-called Mother of All Budgets delivered by Ruth Richardson in 1991.
New Zealand’s top-five Budget bombshells ... plus, how can economists be so divided on the need for rate hikes – Inside EconomicsNew Zealand· 2026-05-28
Ruth Richardson attempted to bring fiscal realities home as the head of the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.
Politicians can’t be trusted with our debt trajectory, NZ needs a fiscal watchdog – Fran O’SullivanNew Zealand· 2026-02-20
Ruth Richardson is a former Minister of Finance who critiques Nicola Willis's borrowing practices.
Danyl McLauchlan: Between austerity and orthodoxy, NZ’s left goes quietNew Zealand· 2026-01-19
Ruth Richardson backed down from a debate with Nicola Willis, expressing her discontent with the political circus.
The three most improved MPs of 2025; zingers from Parliament’s Christmas roast – Audrey YoungNew Zealand· 2025-12-18
Ruth Richardson backs out of debate with Nicola Willis.
Ruth Richardson backs out of debate with Nicola WillisNew Zealand· 2025-12-16
Ruth Richardson is the Chair of the Taxpayers’ Union and is willing to debate Minister Willis.
Nicola Willis vs Ruth Richardson: Taxpayers’ Union backs down, requests economist moderatorNew Zealand· 2025-12-12
Richardson, who resigned after Jim Bolger failed to give her a second term as Finance Minister in 1993, is aligned to Act.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis shows her mettle as attacks come from left and right – Audrey YoungNew Zealand· 2025-12-11
Ruth Richardson agrees to debate the country’s fiscal position with Nicola Willis.
Ruth Richardson agrees to debate country’s fiscal position with Nicola WillisNew Zealand· 2025-12-09
Ruth Richardson is the chair of the Taxpayers’ Union and a noted fiscal warrior from the early 1990s.
Who is bankrolling push to dump Nicola Willis as finance minister? - Fran O’SullivanNew Zealand· 2025-12-06
Ruth Richardson is a former National Finance Minister and critic of Nicola Willis.
Nicola Willis v Ruth Richardson and the battle to get back to black – Thomas CoughlanNew Zealand· 2025-12-06
Ruth Richardson was part of the government that conducted controversial asset sales.
Danyl McLauchlan: Can NZ really have a ‘mature’ conversation on asset sales?New Zealand· 2025-11-24
Ruth Richardson is a former politician who has been mentioned in the context of critiques of Jacinda Ardern.
Latest unauthorised Jacinda Ardern bio: Book of revelations – or sustained conservative attack?New Zealand· 2025-11-06
Ruth Richardson is noted for her arguments against excessive borrowing in New Zealand's economic policy.
Future Fund flop: Labour struggles to sell first major election policy - Matthew HootonNew Zealand· 2025-10-23
Ruth Richardson was a powerful finance spokesperson under Jim Bolger, known for her controversial 'Mother of all Budgets'.
Remembering Jim Bolger, the King Country farmer who won over a nationNew Zealand· 2025-10-23
Ruth Richardson made significant decisions in her 1991 Budget with Jim Bolger's support.
Remembering my friend Jim Bolger, one of our finest former leaders – Christopher FinlaysonNew Zealand· 2025-10-21
Ruth Richardson was the Finance Minister under James Bolger and was replaced due to the need for change after the 1993 election.
Jim Bolger obituary: The man who left school at 15 and went on to become PM. His legacy is remarkableNew Zealand· 2025-10-16
Ruth Richardson was Bolger's Finance Minister, known for her controversial economic policies.
Jim Bolger remembered: The man who left school at 15 and went on to become PM. His legacy is remarkableNew Zealand· 2025-10-15
Her attempt at 'Roger Douglas on steroids' failed to win hearts or minds.
Rating NZ’s finance ministers from best to worstNew Zealand· 2025-07-22
Ruth Richardson is known for her role in creating the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The Green Party’s most radical plan yet, and how Labour inspired it - Thomas CoughlanNew Zealand· 2025-06-27
Ruth Richardson is a former National Party Finance Minister honored in the King’s Birthday honours list.
What ‘conflicting’ polls tell us; Brooke van Velden strikes again; sex scandal at the heart of the Beehive – Audrey YoungNew Zealand· 2025-06-05
Ruth Richardson was the first woman to hold the finance portfolio in New Zealand.
King’s Birthday Honours 2025: Six new dames and knights among almost 190 recognised nationallyNew Zealand· 2025-06-01
Ruth Richardson was the Finance Minister under Prime Minister Bolger.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis needs to address NZ Superannuation age now - Fran O’SullivanNew Zealand· 2025-05-03
Ruth Richardson is referenced in relation to her 'Mother of all Budgets'.
Letters: We don’t have a debt problem, we have a tax problemNew Zealand· 2025-05-01
Ruth Richardson, a former finance minister, told the select committee that the proposed legislation was 'a bill of consequence whose time has come'.
Treaty Principles Bill voted down after widespread outrage
United Kingdom· 2025-04-10
All of our failings can be attributed to former finance ministers Roger Douglas and Ruth Richardson.
Paradise Lost: How short-term thinking, top-down governance and weak economic policies squandered NZ’s potentialNew Zealand· 2025-02-23
