Former Dunedin mayor Dave Cull has died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.
Cull was diagnosed in October last year and received chemotherapy treatment.
He had been diagnosed with a tumour on his pancreas earlier that month and told the Otago Daily Times he knew then he was likely to face a tough journey ahead.
Cull spent about five weeks in hospital earlier this year before being discharged in March.
He then spent four nights at the Otago Community Hospice in Dunedin before returning home.
Cull served three terms as mayor, first elected in 2010, and decided not to seek re-election in 2019, opting instead to pursue a position on the Southern District Health Board.
He was elected and then appointed chairman in December 2019, but his stint with the board lasted only until October last year, because of the health challenge he faced.
He was married to Joan Wilson and they had two daughters and four grandchildren, aged from 2 to 15.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins said Cull's death is terrible news for people across the Dunedin City Council and the city.
"He was a colleague, friend, and mentor to many, and I'm devastated for his whanau who deserved more time with Dave after his Mayoral duties were fulfilled."
"The strength of the council's relationships with local iwi were also built on his shoulders, and his leadership of Local Government New Zealand was critical as it worked to tackle some of the biggest issues, including climate change, with urgency."
Cull served as president of Local Government New Zealand from July 2017 to August 2020.
On social media Hawkins also reflected on Cull's battle with cancer:
"He was typically philosophical about his battle with cancer, talking about how it gave him the opportunity to grow as a person.
"I was lucky enough to spend some time with him over the past week reflecting on his public service."
He said his thoughts went out to Cull's family.
"Politics is unforgiving on families. Most of all today, my love goes out to [his wife] Joan and their wider whānau, who had only just managed to convince him to retire.
"I know he was looking forward to spending more time with his mokopuna."
Council chief executive Sandy Graham said Cull's death would be keenly felt across the council family, especially by staff who worked closely with Cull during his time as Mayor.
Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt requested a minute of silence for Cull before the city council meeting this afternoon.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times last month after returning home from the hospice, Cull said he continued to find people's visits uplifting and he was getting rest.
Cull said his prognosis had reinforced for him the importance of having honest conversations with family.
He tried to be open with them about his illness, and said it had provided opportunities to continue to learn.
Having finality brought into focus had some benefits, in that it tended to promote conversations and experiences that might otherwise be put off, he said.
The hospice was not a gloomy place, Cull said, and there was often a vibe of joy.
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