Sir Walter Nash (1882 – 1968)

 

Born in Kidderminster, Nash emigrated to New Zealand in 1909. He was Prime Minister of \new Zealand from 1957 to 1960. He is noted for his long period of political service, having been associated with the New Zealand Labour Party since its creation.

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He joined the original Labour Party there shortly after irs foundation, and became a member of the party's executive in 1919. Nash was elected to Parliament in 1929. He was appointed as Minister of Finance in 1935 and returned to visit Kidderminster when he held this post. Nash guided the  economic recovery programme during the Great Depression and then directed the government's wartime controls.

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In 1957, the Labour Party won a narrow election victory and Nash became Prime Minister.

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His connection to Kidderminster is marked by the naming of Walter Nash Road on Birchen Coppice.