Shareholder activist dies

Max Gunn. Photo / Martin Sykes

Long-time shareholder activist Max Gunn has died at the age of 94.

Gunn, who was also a keen tennis player, cut his teeth and sharpened them at shareholder meetings in the late 1970s.

He continued to be an active shareholder until 2005 challenging the likes of Tower, Air New Zealand and Carter Holt Harvey on their business practices.

Shareholders Association chairman Bruce Sheppard described Gunn as a man who was not afraid to challenge anyone.

"He was an interesting guy, he had no fear and would say exactly what he meant. He would tell it as he saw it."

Sheppard said Gunn was one of the first small shareholders to stand his ground and paved the way for others to do so at a time when few would.

"He was simply a vocal advocate prepared to stand up and challenge others."

A qualified accountant, Gunn worked for Porter Wigglesworth.

His brother Jack was a tennis champion who captained New Zealand's Davis Cup team.

Gunn is survived by his wife of 54 years Chisne, his children Alex and Liz, and two grandchildren.

See this Saturday's Weekend Herald for a full obituary.