On the Record

‘Few ministers have such influence and make the impact and contribution Steven Joyce did. We knew him as Mr Fix-It; the press gallery called him the Minister for Everything; but the public saw it more simply. He was the guy who got the stuff they wanted done, and he did it in spades and with style.’ - Sir John Key

‘Steven Joyce was at the heart of the sustained policy and political success of the John Key government. He has a unique combination of discipline, positivity and political acumen. He got stuff done.’ - Sir Bill English

Before Steven Joyce entered politics, he had a hugely successful 17-year career building and running the radio network RadioWorks. During this time, he honed his skills in cutting deals, competing fiercely, and managing on-air talent with deft precision. These abilities proved invaluable when he transitioned to the National Party, bringing a robust entrepreneurial spirit and an unrelenting drive for results.

After entering Parliament in 2008, when John Key reclaimed power from Labour, Joyce was immediately appointed to Cabinet, where he served as a senior minister for nearly all of his 10 years in office. In addition to handling high-profile portfolios such as transport, infrastructure, tertiary education, and economic development, Joyce played a critical role as National’s campaign strategist. His leadership was instrumental in the party's successful election campaigns in 2008, 2011, and 2014.

Such was Joyce's effectiveness that he earned the moniker 'Minister for Everything'. Alongside John Key and Bill English, Joyce emerged as a principal powerbroker within the Key government, expertly balancing strategy and party discipline. In On the Record, Joyce offers a comprehensive look at the strenuous effort, unwavering discipline, and sharp negotiating skills required to excel in the ruthless arena of politics.

On the Record is an invaluable read for anyone intrigued by the mechanics of governance. The book is packed with insider knowledge, frank assessments of key political figures, entertaining anecdotes, and a no-nonsense portrayal of the political landscape. Joyce reveals what it truly takes to win and sustain power, providing a decipherable roadmap to the strategic and campaigning prowess that enabled the National Party to dominate New Zealand politics for close to a decade.