Greater Wellington Regional Council deputy chair Adrienne Staples died on Sunday night.
Photo: LDR
People across the Wellington region are mourning the sudden death of long-standing local leader and former mayor Adrienne Staples.
A statement on Monday morning said staff and elected members of Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and South Wairarapa District Council were deeply saddened by the sudden death of Staples, a respected colleague, community leader, former South Wairarapa mayor, and current deputy chairperson of GWRC.
It was understood she died late on Sunday night after a medical event earlier that evening.
Staples was elected as GWRC deputy chair three times, and served four terms on the regional council.
She was South Wairarapa Mayor between 2004 and 2016.
GWRC chairperson Daran Ponter said Staples’ contribution to regional leadership and public service was significant and enduring.
“Adrienne brought a clear rural perspective to the council table, grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our regions,” he said.
“She was generous with her time, thoughtful in her advice, and unwavering in her commitment to serving her community. She will be greatly missed around the council table by her fellow councillors, by iwi and fellow champions of the rural sector.
“Our region has lost a strong voice and personally I have lost a good friend.”
Masterton mayor Lyn Paterson (L), with then deputy police commissioner Mike Bush, and Adrienne Staples, when she was South Wairarapa mayor.
Photo: LDR
Former Masterton mayor, Bob Francis described Staples’ passing as a massive loss for her family, the region and for South Wairarapa.
“She was a top woman. I’m really feeling it,” he said.
“She was a very good mayor and made a great contribution.”
Francis said one of Staples’ strengths was forging good relationships with key people in Wellington, which benefited the region.
“She acquitted herself so well in all her roles.”
Former South Wairarapa mayor Viv Napier, served as Staples deputy-mayor for four terms.
“It’s an unbelievable loss, it’s so hard to comprehend,” she said.
Then South Wairarapa mayor Adrienne Staples with deputy Viv Napier.
Photo: LDR
“We worked really closely together. She always gave everything 100 percent plus, and was so passionate about what she was doing. She was a strong advocate for Wairarapa in every role she held.”
Napier extended her condolences to Staples’ family.
Former Carterton mayor Ron Mark said Staples’ passing had come as a shock.
“Its so sad. Our hearts go out to Don (Staples’ husband) and Adrienne’s family. She has been a staunch Wairarapa advocate and public servant over many years. She was a pragmatist, and a rural girl through and through.
Mark said Staples always had Wairarapa’s best interests at heart, and was a loyal and faithful representative, whose reach extended well beyond the region.
“She was an exceptional mayor,” he said.
GWRC chief executive Nigel Corry acknowledged her leadership and the respect she had across the organisation.
“Adrienne was a principled leader who worked constructively with elected members and staff alike.”
“Her focus on practical outcomes – particularly for rural communities – helped shape better decisions for the region. On behalf of Greater Wellington and all its staff, I extend our deepest condolences to Don her husband, her whānau, her friends and loved ones.”
“Her commitment to rural communities was a defining feature of her public service, and she remained a strong and trusted voice throughout her career.”
South Wairarapa mayor Dame Fran Wilde paid tribute to Staples’ legacy.
Adrienne Staples with her thoroughbred Spanish horses Mac, right and sire Catherino at the family property in Featherston.
Photo: LDR
“Adrienne cared deeply about South Wairarapa and it’s neighbouring districts and the people who call them home,” she said.
“She understood our communities and championed them with unwavering courage and compassion. Her leadership has left a lasting mark on the Wairarapa, and she will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
“Her legacy includes the redevelopment of Greytown’s historic town hall, Martinborough’s Waihinga Centre, and the formation of the Cross Creek to Featherston cycle trail.
“Today the thoughts of the community and the council are with Don and the whānau. In future we will continue to remember her life of service and her joy at living in this special place.”
Long-standing South Wairarapa councillor Colin Olds paid tribute to Staples.
“She was a very strong willed lady, but had a wicked sense of humour,” he said.
“She showed real strength in supporting our community initiatives in those early days and then became mayor.
“When I was elected in 2013 she took me under her wing and taught me the ropes. She was great to work under and was a very good mayor.”
Staples was recognised regionally, nationally and internationally for her work. She was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government, and awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government in recognition of her promotion of Japan-New Zealand friendship and mutual understanding.
“The regional council asks that people remember and acknowledge Adrienne for her service, her leadership, and her enduring commitment to the communities of Wairarapa and the wider Wellington region,” the statement said.
Funeral arrangements would be notified by Staples’ family.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.