David Walter

David Ernest Walter (25 November 1939 – 5 September 2020) was a New Zealand politician and journalist. He was the first mayor of Stratford District Council (1989–1998) and also served as chairman of both of the Taranaki Regional Council (2001–2007) and the Stratford County Council (1983–1989). Early life and family Walter was born on 25 November 1939 in Straftord, the son of Anita Walter (née Frethey) and Edward Ernest Walter. He was the grandson of former County Chairman and Member of Parliament Edward Walter, brother of former diplomat Neil Walter, nephew of All Black Jack Walter, and cousin of All Black Alan Smith. David Walter was educated at Douglas Primary School and New Plymouth Boys' High School. In 1966, he married Isabel Carryer, and the couple went on to have three children. Career