Former Minister of Pacific Island Affairs dies

A former Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Russell Marshall, has died.

Marshall, 88, was a Labour MP for Whanganui from 1972 to 1990, and served as a cabinet minister between 1984 to 1990.

From September 1988 to December 1989 he was the country’s second–ever Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, taking over the portfolio from then Auckland central MP Richard Prebble.

Prebble lost the portfolio after being dismissed from cabinet by Prime Minister David Lange, but was re-appointed minister in February 1990 during Geoffrey Palmer's term as prime minister.

The title Minister of Pacific Island Affairs was renamed Minister for Pacific Peoples in 2015.

Marshall also played an active role in the Pacific region as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1987 to 1990.

During the September 1987 Fiji coup, Marshall was instrumental in shaping New Zealand’s diplomatic response.

Marshall, in collaboration with the Australian government, imposed sanctions on Fiji to address the coup’s impact and condemn the racist treatment of the Indo-Fijian community.

The Victoria University Centre for Pacific Island Studies was officially opened by Russell Marshall, left, as Minister of Pacific Island Affairs in September 1989. Also pictured is the first centre director Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin. Photo/Victoria University

From 1984 to 1987 Marshall was also Minister of Education.

Former prime minister Helen Clark paid tribute to Marshall on social media, describing him as “always a principled voice”.

Before entering politics, Marshall served as a Methodist minister from 1960 to 1972, with postings in Spreydon, Christchurch, and Masterton.

During his ministry, Marshall gained recognition as the "Red Reverend" for his outspoken leadership in protests against the Vietnam War throughout the 1960s.

Marshall retired from national politics ahead of the 1990 general election.