David Lange

The Right Honourable David Russell Lange (pronounced Long-ee), CH, ONZ (4 August 1942 Thames, New Zealand – 13 August, 2005 Auckland, New Zealand), served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1984 to 1989. He headed New Zealand's fourth Labour Government, one of the most reforming administrations in his country's history. He was renowned for a cutting wit and eloquence. His government implemented far-reaching free market reforms, some of which he later came to oppose and regret. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is New Zealand's nuclear-free legislation, which for many symbolised a pacifist identity for New Zealand.

Personal life

In 1989 Lange separated from his wife of 21 years and admitted to a long-running affair with his speechwriter, Margaret Pope, whom he later married. The matter became extremely public with both Naomi Lange and Lange's mother attacking his behaviour in public. He was later reconciled with both. He had three children by his first marriage and one by his second. In the 1990s Lange's health declined, with diabetes and kidney disorders, mostly resulting from his lifelong struggle with obesity.

Related Topics:
1989 - Margaret Pope - Diabetes - Kidney

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 2002, doctors diagnosed Lange as having amyloidosis, a rare and incurable blood plasma disorder. He underwent extensive medical treatment for this condition. Although initially told he had only four months to live, Lange defied his doctors' expectations, and remained "optimistic" about his health. He entered hospital in Auckland in mid July 2005 to undergo nightly peritoneal dialysis in his battle with end-stage kidney failure. On August 2, he had his lower right leg amputated without a general anaesthetic, as a result of diabetes complications.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1500960&ObjectID=10339078

Related Topics:
2002 - Amyloidosis - Blood plasma - 2005 - August 2

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His declining health resulted in the publication of his memoir My Life being brought forward to 8 August 2005. His last interview, with John Campbell, was broadcast on TV3 on the same day.

Related Topics:
8 August - 2005 - John Campbell - TV3

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He died of complications associated with his renal failure and blood disease in Middlemore Hospital in Auckland at 10 p.m. on 13 August 2005.

Related Topics:
Renal failure - 13 August - 2005

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~