Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) President Stuart Crosby has passed on his condolences to the family of former LGNZ President and Dunedin City Mayor, Dave Cull who passed away last week after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dave Cull. Our condolences go out to his family,” Mr Crosby said.
“Dave was a tremendous advocate for local government, both locally and nationally. He had a great talent for forging meaningful relationships with a wide range of people, including our counterparts in central government, that delivered positive change not only for his own community of Dunedin, but for communities around New Zealand,” he said.
“His ability to communicate was something he no doubt developed across many roles he held in his life – as a carpenter, TV presenter, author, speaker and elected member among many things. He had an amazing ability to connect with people, and translate often complex information for all New Zealanders.”
Mr Crosby said part of Mr Cull’s legacy as LGNZ President would be the way he drove the organisation’s climate change portfolio.
“Serving under him as LGNZ Vice-President was an honour,” he said.
“I was privileged to visit him over the long weekend, and he was in good spirits, surrounded by family.
“Dave possessed great knowledge, humility, and mana, and he will be missed greatly by his local government whānau.”
Dave Cull served as President of LGNZ from July 2017 to August 2020, and served as co-President Pacific of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific Region (UCLG-ASPAC) and Vice Chair of Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF).
The 71-year-old is survived by his wife, Joan Wilson, two daughters, and grandchildren.
His funeral will be held in the Dunedin Town Hall today.
