Former Hamilton mayor dies

Former Hamilton mayor Sir Ross Jansen, described as a calm, considered and able man, died yesterday, aged 78.

Sir Ross was Hamilton's mayor from 1977-1989, years which saw the development of Hamilton Gardens, the Waikato Museum and the Hamilton Zoo.

Councillor and friend Pippa Mahood said Sir Ross was a person of incredible talent and high integrity who was calm, considered and intelligent.

Martin Gallagher served as Sir Ross' deputy and said he was a man of enormous intellect and dignity who had presence, and acted as a mentor to many younger people.

Sir Ross was the president of the Municipal Association from 1984-1987 and then president of the New Zealand Local Government Association from 1988-1990. He was knighted in 1989.

He was chairman of the Local Government Commission from 1998 to 2001.

In recent years he lived in Orewa, north of Auckland, and had suffered ill health.

He is survived by his wife Lady Rhyl. The couple had six children.

- NZPA