David Coutts Seath (31 March 1914 – 18 October 1997) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.
Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1954–1957 | 31st | Waitomo | National | ||
1957–1960 | 32nd | Waitomo | National | ||
1960–1963 | 33rd | Waitomo | National | ||
1963–1966 | 34th | Waitomo | National | ||
1966–1969 | 35th | Waitomo | National | ||
1969–1972 | 36th | Waitomo | National |
Seath was born in Musselburgh, Scotland. He received his education at Waihi District High School, Waihi School of Mines, and the University of Edinburgh. From 1937, he was a public accountant in Taumarunui. During World War II, he was with the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNZNVR), and served as Lieutenant Commander with British naval forces.[1]
He was Mayor of Taumarunui from 1953 to 1955.[1] He was elected in the Waitomo electorate in the 1954 election, following the retirement of National Party colleague Walter Broadfoot.[2] In 1960 Seath was appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Finance, and held that position from 12 December 1960 to 24 January 1962.[3]
In 1963 Seath was appointed as Minister of Internal Affairs, and held the position from 20 December 1963 to 9 February 1972, when the Marshall Ministry replaced the second Holyoake Ministry.[4][5] He was described as a nervous man easily frightened by Holyoake.[6]
He was a Member of the Executive Council (initially as an Undersecretary) from 24 January 1962 to 9 February 1972.[5] In 1972 Seath was granted the right to retain the title of Honourable for life.[7]
He retired at the 1972 election,[8] and died in Taumarunui in October 1997.