CHB councillor, businessman and 'genuine Kiwi bloke' Tim Chote dies

CHB councillor Tim Chote, from Waipawa, has died. He's pictured here with his 1975 Ford Escort in 2017. Photo File

Colleagues and friends have remembered a long-time CHB resident and district councillor as a "genuine Kiwi bloke" who would do anything for anyone.

Tributes have poured in for Tim Chote who died on Saturday.

CHB District Council issued a statement on Sunday confirming he had died surrounded by loved ones "following a courageous battle with his health, over the past year".

Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker said it had been an "absolute pleasure" to work with Chote and said he would be sorely missed.

"This is a sad time for all of us in Central Hawke's Bay, to have lost one of our passionate, loyal, and hard-working members of both council and community.

"Tim brought a practical and intelligent view to how council business should be run.

"We could always rely on him to have delved deep into both the financial and practical aspects of a decision and was always well prepared to debate his viewpoint.

She said a highlight of his councillor career was the unanimous vote to support the rebuild of the Waipawa and District's Centennial Memorial Pool.

In the statement CHB District Council chief executive Monique Davidson said Chote's death would be felt through the whole staff and contract team.

"I offer my deepest sympathies on behalf of all of Central Hawke's Bay District Council to Councillor Chote's wife, Penne, children William and Alice, and to his wider family".

Waipawa Country United Men's Rugby also acknowledged his death in a social media post.

"From the very start of the formation of WCUMR, Tim supported us in every way shape and form.

"He was the club's very first Major Sponsor and has continued his sponsorship, to this very day, with his business name showing pride of place on the men's dress shirts.

"Not only was Tim a pillar to us at WCUMR, but he was a stalwart in the Waipawa and wider Hawke's Bay community.

"Tim's dedication to his time on the Central Hawke's Bay District Council, and the Waipawa business community, is sure to not go unmissed.

The club described him as a "genuine Kiwi bloke" with a "heart of gold".

"He was a one of a kind man, nothing was ever too big for Tim. I'm positive we can all say that it was an honour and privilege to have known him."

The Waipawa Country United Men's Rugby paid tribute to Tim. He was highly involved with the club and they helped with Chote Bros hay deliveries. Photo / Supplied

Vice-president of WCUMR Jaqui Cudby told Hawke's Bay Today that Chote's passing would leave a huge void in a community where everyone knew him.

"He would do anything for anyone, you would not be able to find anyone who would say a bad word about him.

"He has never spoken ill of anybody and I don't think anybody would ever speak ill of him."

When the rugby club re-branded he was "the first to reach deep into his pockets and give us our first cheque to get up and running".

Cudby and Chote were friends for 12 years after meeting through rally driving.

He also owned Chote Bros Transport and Tim Chote Appliances on the Waipawa high street.

Cudby said Chote would help anyone who asked about installing cat doors, tuning televisions and fixing her washing machine, all without charge.

"He was just that type of guy. I don't think I'll ever meet another genuine guy like him," she said.

Chote was in his second term as a councillor for the Ruataniwha Ward.

He was first elected in 2016 where he won a significant number of votes.

In council he also served on procurement panels, as chairman of the District Licensing committee, and also as council representative on the Waipawa Building Society Trust and the Civic Awards selection committee.

He was a steadfast local of Waipawa and the district where his family have resided for four generations, the council said.