Nash, Walter (1882–1968)

New Zealand Labour centre-left politician, prime minister 1957–60. He became Labour Party leader in 1950, succeeding Peter Fraser, when the party was in opposition. He led Labour to a narrow victory, by one seat, in the 1957 general election to become prime minister. A moderate Christian Socialist, his premiership marked a period of consolidation rather than innovation. Although Labour was defeated in the 1960 general election, Nash remained the party's leader until 1963. GCMG 1965.

Born in Kidderminster, England, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1909. He was elected to parliament in 1929 and held ministerial posts 1935–49, including finance minister, in the Labour governments of Michael Savage and Peter Fraser. During World War II, he was deputy prime minister and led a special mission to the USA 1942–44.