Yes, Minister: An Insider's Account of the John Key years

(Paperback)

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Christopher Finlayson is a lawyer and was a senior minister in the John Key-led National government, serving as Attorney-General, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, as well as the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau and Minister in Charge of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, New Zealand's two main intelligence agencies.

From Chris's early years and time as a lawyer before entering politics - where he spent years fighting for NgiTahu, pursuing its treaty claims through a series of high-profile court battles - to entering politics and becoming one of the most senior members of the Key National government, Yes, Minister reveals the inner workings of what it was like to be at the centre of power in New Zealand, and shines a light on the real John Key.

Chris reveals what Key was really like as prime minister: utterly effective and utterly ruthless when needed.

Told with Chris's trademark good humour and wit, this is a thoroughly entertaining and perceptive book, as well as a substantial record of one of the most successful conservative governments in New Zealand.

'Finlayson is unafraid to tackle some deeply contentious issues that still trouble many New Zealanders, such as co-governance and education.' Jane Clifton, The New Zealand Listener

Reviews

Cerebral, sardonic and sometimes caustic, the former senior member of John Key's cabinet recounts the good years - and the not-so-good ones. Toby Manhire, The Spinoff

Christopher Finlayson's new memoir Yes, Minister is an easy-to-read sketch full of the magnificence of his intellect, wisdom...and venom. Matthew Hooton, Newsroom

Finlayson's stories of his rise through the National Party branch structure should be made compulsory reading for everyone with political aspirations. Matthew Hooton, Newsroom

Political Trainspotters will have fun working out which significant players in the Beehive pointedly do not get a mention, or are hurriedly glossed over. Jane Clifton, The New Zealand Listener

Author Bio

Christopher Finlayson was one the most senior ministers of the John Key government and was one of John Key's most trusted ministers. He is the author of He Kupu Taurangi: Treaty Settlements and the Future of Aotearoa New Zealand. He left politics in 2019 and now works for Bankside Chambers as a barrister.