Graeme Weld

17 November 2008 - President of Local Government New Zealand Lawrence Yule paid tribute today to the Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty District, Graeme Weld, who passed away on Saturday 15 November.

"Graeme has spent nineteen years involved with local government and making a difference to his community. During that time two of his greatest achievements were championing causes on behalf of small rural communities and working with other local councils on solutions for the Bay of Plenty region.

"Graeme was one of the leaders of the Smartgrowth project, a joint development between Tauranga City Council, Environment Bay of Plenty and the Western Bay of Plenty District to plan and manage the high growth in the region. This initiative is now being used as an example for other councils to follow.

"Graeme joined the Western Bay of Plenty District Council as councillor for Te Puke ward in 1989. Following three terms as ward councillor, he was appointed Deputy Mayor in his fourth term in 1998. Graeme was elected Mayor of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in 2001 and was in his third term as Mayor.

"Graeme was also involved in local government at a regional and national level. From 2004-2007 he was our Zone 2 representative on National Council. During this time he led the advocacy and policy development on transport issues for Local Government New Zealand with central government.

"We will miss Graeme's dedication to local democracy, his humour and his stories. We send our condolences to Graeme's wife Susan, his four children and grandchildren. Our thoughts are also with Deputy Mayor, Ross Paterson, who has been acting Mayor since early October, his council and the Western Bay of Plenty community", said Mr Yule.