New Zealand businessman and former political party leader Sir Bob Jones has died.
He was 85.
Sir Bob earned his wealth through his property investments, holding a $2 billion portfolio of commercial buildings in Auckland, Wellington and Glasgow.
Sir Bob was a well-known boxing fan, having commented on matches and written columns. Jones earned a university blue in boxing while at Victoria University of Wellington.
In 1983, Sir Bob launched the short-lived New Zealand Party in an attempt to oust then-Prime Minister Robert Muldoon from Parliament. His party amassed 12.25% of the vote but, because this was prior to MMP, he did not get into parliament.
In 1985, Sir Bob was involved in one of New Zealand’s most famous television moments, when journalist Rod Vaughan emerged from the bush with a bloody nose following a confrontation between the two on the banks of the Tongariro River.
He was knighted in 1989.
According to his website, Sir Bob served in several government committees, including chairman of the 1989 Winter Olympics enquiry, 1988 Broadcasting Enquiry, and as director of RNZ.
He authored a total of 26 books, including nine novels.
A ‘huge loss’ for the country, says Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Jones was a “living legend” and a “huge loss” for the country.
“To think a guy started off in a state house, became one of our most successful business leaders… and had a massive impact on a 1984 election with the New Zealand party,” he said.
“He had just an acerbic wit and was just a very quick and clever and highly intelligent man, so he’s a huge loss for New Zealand, I really just wish him and his family, nothing but the very, very best from all of us in New Zealand.”
Historian Paul Moon noted Sir Bob was “one of the most important figures in the country from that most important of elections” in 1984.
“Controversial, complex, fiercely intelligent, and outspoken, it’s unlikely we’ll see someone like Bob Jones on the political stage again,” Moon said.
