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Mr Lange, during the past twenty-five years, has made a major contribution to public affairs in New Zealand. He was the Member of Parliament for Mangere from 1977 to 1996 and served as Deputy and later Leader of the Opposition. In 1984, at the age of 41, he became one of the youngest persons to be appointed Prime Minister of New Zealand and held office until 1989. In addition he held the ministerial portfolios of Foreign Affairs (1984 to 1987), Education (1987 to 1989) and following his resignation as Prime Minister he was Attorney-General, Minister in Charge of the Serious Fraud Office and Minister of State (1989 to 1990). Prior to his election to Parliament he practiced as a barrister and solicitor in Kaikohe and Auckland and for a period tutored in law at the University of Auckland. Since his retirement from Parliament he has been involved in a wide range of public and community forums. In 1984 he was appointed a Member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council.
Citation prepared 2003
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