Your Candidates— Papanui Mr H. J. Walker ‘strong... (Press, 6 November 1975)

Bert Walker, the National Party candidate and current member of Parliament for Papanui, emphasised in his campaign that the cost of living and the need for strong leadership will be the key issues in the upcoming election. Having served as an MP for 15 years, he believes that under a National Party government, the economy would be better managed due to its composition of experienced business leaders. Walker indicated that superannuation and New Zealand's role in international sports would also be significant topics during the election discussions. He advocates for the freedom of New Zealanders to participate in sports without governmental interference. Born in Rangiora to pioneer ancestors, Walker has spent most of his life in the Papanui district. Prior to entering Parliament, he held several senior roles in various governmental agencies, including the Post and Telegraph Department and the Totalisator Agency Board. He was first elected as the representative for St Albans, later securing the new Papanui seat in 1969, the same year he joined the cabinet, taking on responsibilities as Postmaster-General, Minister of Broadcasting, and Minister of Tourism and Publicity. Walker expressed that moral issues would feature prominently in the election, identifying himself as an anti-abortionist. He supports allowing necessary therapeutic abortions to happen in public hospitals, prioritising the health of the mother over the doctor's fees. He also advocates for sex education to begin at home and extend to schools only with parental consent. He firmly opposes any changes to current homosexual law, stating he could not support any amendments. As the National Party's spokesperson on broadcasting, he critiqued the Labour Government's new broadcasting framework, calling it poorly planned and costly, implying it does not serve the public effectively due to unnecessary service duplications. Walker asserted the importance of having well-qualified and experienced representation in Parliament, particularly during challenging economic times both domestically and internationally. He highlighted his long-term residency in the district, stating that his thorough understanding of Papanui and its community, coupled with the support he receives from a diverse cross-section of residents, reflects a solid trust in his capabilities, irrespective of their political affiliations.

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