Birch, Honourable William Francis Biography 1991

BIRCH, Honourable William Francis
Minister of the Crown
Born Hastings, 9 April 1934, son of Charles William Birch and Elizabeth Alicia (née Wells); married Rosa Mitchell, daughter of Albert and Myrtle Mitchell, 1953; three sons one daughter.
Education: Hillcrest Primary School; Hamilton Technical College; qualified as professional surveyor 1957; MNZIS.  Professional practice as land and engineering surveyor, Pukekohe, 1957-1972; MP (National): Franklin 1972-1978, Rangiriri 1978-1984, Franklin 1984-1987, Maramarua 1987 -; Junior Opposition Whip, 1974; Senior Government Whip, 1975; Minister of Energy, Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of National Development, 1978-1981; Minister of Energy, Minister of Regional Development, Minister of National Development, 1981-1984; Opposition Spokesman: Finance 1985-1986, Industrial Relations, Immigration, Pacific Island Affairs, 1986-1989; Minister of Labour, Minister of Immigration, Minister of State Services, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Minister responsible for Accident Compensation Corporation, 1990 -; Number 3 in the Bolger Administration.  Member, Pukekohe Borough Council, 1965-1974, Deputy Mayor 1968-1974.
Sports: Waikato Softball Rep, 1952-1954; Hamilton Junior Rugby Representative, 1956.
Recreations: fishing, tramping, gardening.
Address: 188 Kitchener Road, Pukekohe.