Rob Talbot
Robert Leslie Gapper (Rob) Talbot QSO (18 October 1923 – 13 December 2012) was a New Zealand politician who represented the National Party as a Member of Parliament. A Muldoon loyalist,[1] he was a cabinet minister from 1981 to 1984 in the Third National Government, serving as Postmaster-General and Minister of Tourism.[2]
Member of Parliament
| Parliament of New Zealand | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1966–1969 | 35th | Ashburton | National | |
| 1969–1972 | 36th | South Canterbury | National | |
| 1972–1975 | 37th | South Canterbury | National | |
| 1975–1978 | 38th | South Canterbury | National | |
| 1978–1981 | 39th | Ashburton | National | |
| 1981–1984 | 40th | Ashburton | National | |
| 1984–1987 | 41st | Ashburton | National | |
Talbot represented the Ashburton electorate in Parliament from 1966 to 1969, then the South Canterbury electorate from 1969 to 1978, and then the Ashburton electorate again from 1978 until his retirement in 1987 whereupon he was replaced by Jenny Shipley. As Postmaster-General he signed off on New Zealand's first cellular network in 1983.[3] In 1984, at a time when the use of Māori phrases was as yet uncommon in New Zealand, an Auckland telephone operator was instructed to stop using "kia ora" when greeting callers after the post office had received a complaint. She refused to do so and was consequently stood down, with the whole affair attracting much public interest. Talbot, as Postmaster-General, is credited with successfully convincing the Prime Minister, Robert Muldoon, to overturn that prohibition.[1]
After Parliament
In the 1991 Queen's Birthday Honours, Talbot was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services.[4]
On 4 July 2007, Talbot was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from former United States Ambassador to New Zealand Bill McCormick for his efforts in fostering positive relations between the United States and New Zealand during his tenure with the New Zealand American Association.[5]
Talbot died on 13 December 2012 in Wellington. His wife Anne had died before him. He was survived by partner, Wilhelmina Pondman, one son, and two daughters.[1]
References
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| New Zealand Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Ashburton 1966–1969 1978–1987 |
In abeyance
Title next held by
himself |
| In abeyance
Title last held by
himself |
Succeeded by Jenny Shipley |
|
| New constituency | Member of Parliament for South Canterbury 1969–1978 |
Constituency abolished |
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- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 52564. p. 31. 15 June 1991. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
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- Pages with reference errors
- Use dmy dates from March 2014
- Use New Zealand English from March 2014
- All Wikipedia articles written in New Zealand English
- 1923 births
- 2012 deaths
- New Zealand National Party MPs
- Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand
- Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives
- New Zealand MPs for South Island electorates
- Companions of the Queen's Service Order
- People from Ashburton, New Zealand
