Heather Marion Smith’s life was dedicated to economic as well as political sovereignty through decades of submissions both oral and written to councils, select committees, public fora and newspapers. She served as convenor of the Economics Standing Committee for National Council of Women of New Zealand for two terms, delivering well researched information on issues relating to her brief.

A member of the Whanganui NCWNZ Branch, she attended many Whanganui District Council meetings and regularly presented submissions through the Council’s Annual Plan process. Heather raised many issues and challenged the thinking at branch meetings.  It was rewarding for the Branch during the period Heather was the Convenor of the Economic Standing Committee.  

Heather stood for Parliament many times, including when she lived in Whanganui.  She spoke at local election meetings for her party, Democrats for Social Credit.  The Leader of Social Credit, Chris Leitch, said that Heather was a walking encyclopaedia of all the current and past political leaders and their views on many issues. Having earned a degree and post-graduate diploma (both in economics) from Massey University, Heather taught Economics, English, History and Junior French in Taranaki and Whanganui high schools.

Originally of Opunake, Taranaki, Heather was a dearly loved mother and grandmother, and treasured sister who was inspirational to family, friends, and acquaintances. Heather died peacefully on October 6, 2022.

To read more articles from The Circular (Nov-Dec 2022) issue 638, click on the tag below.