Family Silver

Family Silver braids together two stories: the author’s personal life and career, and the major economic reforms of the 1980s.

Richard Shallcrass joined the New Zealand Treasury in 1977 at the height of the Muldoon era. Having previously served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he became a member of the team of government officials who advised Cabinet on economic and trade policy. Debate over the need for New Zealand to open its economy to international competition laid the groundwork for the political struggles that in 1984 saw the Muldoon Government swept from office. A key player in Treasury as David Lange and Roger Douglas restructured the New Zealand economy, Richard managed the government’s overseas borrowing, and the privatisation programme that saw Air New Zealand, the Bank of New Zealand, Telecom, and NZ Rail pass out of public ownership, and DFC vanish into history.

Family Silver offers unique insights into bitter debate over economic policy that marked the closing years of the Muldoon administration, the tumultuous changes effected by the Lange Government, and the consequences for the National administration elected in 1990. Recounting his experience, Richard offers an intimate record of relations between ministers and officials, revealing a world rarely glimpsed by outsiders. Reflecting on the actions and motives of players on the Wellington stage, or analysing issues that underlie the country’s economic performance, he draws on an account of his earlier years, growing up on the South Island’s West Coast, and serving overseas for over a decade as a diplomat.

His story of family tragedy and personal adjustment underscores decades when New Zealand was exploring its place in the world, coming to terms with Britain’s new role in Europe, and a problematic relationship with the US. Tales of Indonesia during the rise of President Suharto, Hong Kong during China’s Cultural Revolution, and Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, bring to life events that have changed history. His accounts of the sale of iconic state owned businesses illuminate issues that continue to excite interest and speculation, and impact on the economic welfare of all New Zealanders.

'It is hard to think of anyone better qualified to set the record straight on events and controversies surrounding [privatisation in the 1980s and 90s]. ...he also writes with sensitivity and grace...'
Roger Kerr THE PRESS

'What makes Family Silver different from other books covering the same period is that Shallcrass was both a participant and an acute observer. Shallcrass’s ability to detach himself from events in which he is deeply involved seems to have stemmed from his childhood. Certainly, this ability makes his insider’s account of the events summarised in the title a valuable addition to the history of the 1980s and the fourth Labour Government. It also provides a useful antidote for the disease described by George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” A dose might be helpful to current policy makers who seem set on the course of repetition. But, unlike the medicine of tradition, this one is far from unpleasant: Shallcrass’s uses tight but richly expressive language which makes the stories flow. Family Silver is a good read.' PUBLIC SECTOR JOURNAL

[Family Silver] offers a fascinating look at the way this country has been run in the recent past. NORTH & SOUTH

...likeable and engagingly candid. NEW ZEALAND BOOKS