About the Author

Michael and Judith Bassett are both historians by training, having met as teachers at the University of Auckland. Subsequently Michael had a substantial political career as a West Auckland MP and senior cabinet minister and since retiring from Parliament he has published four biographies of Prime Ministers. Judith has enjoyed a lengthy role in local government, including chairing the former Auckland Hospital Board, the ASB Trusts, and Auckland Regional Holdings. This is the second book they have jointly authored. Both have known the Babich family for more than forty years.