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# Face of the Day
- URL: https://goodoil.news/face-of-the-day-1534/
- Published: 2026-07-17T18:30:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-17T18:30:58.000Z
- Description: Birch entered parliament in 1972, representing the Franklin electorate. He served until 1999, though his electorate changed names and boundaries to Rangiriri, Maramura and Port Waikato.
- Author: Good Oil Staff
- Tags: Face of the Day

> Sir Bill Birch, a former senior minister in two National Governments, has died at 92.  
>  
> His most senior role was Minister of Finance from 1993 to 1999 in the fourth National Government, serving Prime Ministers Jim Bolger, who became a close friend, and Jenny Shipley.  
>  
> He also served in the third National Government, where, as Minister for National Development, he oversaw the construction of a string of energy projects that came to be known as “Think Big”.  
>  
> In a statement, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to the late politician.  
>  
> “Sir William Birch was a giant of the National Party and delivered more for our country than he would ever take credit for,” Luxon said.  
>  
> “His close to 30 years in Parliament coincided with a period of significant reform as we modernised our economy and grappled with who we are as a country. Throughout, Sir William maintained his legendary diligence and work ethic, knowing that the sacrifices of public life were worth it to leave a better country for future generations.  
>  
> “On behalf of the Government and the National Party, I express my deepest condolences to his family and thank them for sharing him with all of us for so many years.”  
>  
> Birch entered Parliament in 1972, representing the Franklin electorate. He served until 1999, though his electorate changed names and boundaries to Rangiriri, Maramura and Port Waikato.  
>  
> NZ Herald

[Read More](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/former-finance-minister-sir-bill-birch-dies-at-92/3XQUVNYEE5BGDP5CRMZ3T5AN5Y/?ref=goodoil.news)