Chair of the Guardians of NZ Superannuation Catherine Drayton has expressed sadness at news of the death of Sir Michael Cullen.

“On behalf of the Guardians, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Anne and Sir Michael’s whanau for their loss.

“Sir Michael was a true visionary. As Finance Minister in 2001, he led the establishment of the NZ Super Fund, which will help support future generations of retired New Zealanders.

“The ‘Cullen Fund’ as it was initially nicknamed has now grown to be worth $58 billion and is projected to reach $100 billion by the end of the decade. His legacy will put New Zealand in a stronger position to provide dignity to those in retirement.

“We are privileged to continue building on Sir Michael’s vision and trust his family take solace in the fact his work will live on for many decades to come.”