Arnold Nordmeyer formed his vision of an equitable society in the Depression, and was elected to the first Labour government in the tubulent 1930s where he played a major role in shaping the social security system we have today. Nordy was also a radical Minister of Health, but unfortunately is most remembered for his 1958 'Black Budget.' Mary Logan's sympathetic biography traverses a 20th century political landscape where Savage, Lee, Fraser, Holland, Nash, Holyoake and Kirk loom large. Throughout it all Norday stands out as a humble, principled and astute politician who made a profound contribution to New Zealand.