Media Release
19 September 2007

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis pays tribute to Councillor Neil Morrison

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the sudden death of Councillor Neil Morrison today is a tragic loss.

Councillor Morrison passed away this morning. He had been a councillor for Pakuranga since 1989 and was chair of Manukau City Council’s Economic Development Committee. In earlier terms he had also chaired the Economic Development and Corporate Business committees.

Sir Barry says he was an outstanding councillor and always supported everything that was good for his community.

“Not many people have made such a contribution over such a long period. He was very proud of Pakuranga and an effective champion on its behalf. He enjoyed working with the council and its staff to ensure its ongoing improvement.

“However he also made a tremendous contribution to the wider region and served on many regional organisations such as the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, and the Watercare Services Ltd Shareholders Representative Group.

“Personally, Neil was not known to suffer fools gladly but he was very amenable, courteous and cooperative.

“He was extremely well-read and brought a wise head to the table during discussion of issues, presenting a well reasoned and argued case based on research and information gleaned from his reading. He had a strong personality and put forward his point of view passionately, but was also a team player respected by other councillors.

“Neil had a strong vision for the future of the city and understood the importance of promoting economic and business development. In recent years he was a strong supporter of the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, which has turned out to be spectacularly successful as a venue, as he knew it would be.

“After his many years as a councillor, Neil was well respected within the Pakuranga community and I am certain he was going to be re-elected. That is why his untimely death is so tragic. He had much more to give, and will be greatly missed.

“Our condolences go out to his wife Gabrielle and his family at this sad time.”

ENDS

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