Obituary: Robin Mayston

Robin Mayston

A former long-time editor of the Rotorua Daily Post has died at his home in Timaru.

Robin Mayston, who was editor of the paper from 1985 to 2002, was 76. During his tenure he oversaw the introduction of new technology ranging from electric typewriters to early computer systems.

Former deputy editor Jill Nicholas described Mr Mayston as a journalist of the old school - not frightened to cut a swathe with his red pencil through copy submitted by young reporters who had considered their work word perfect.

He was always insistent reporters brought life to their copy with quotes, Mrs Nicholas said.

"I well remember the day he shredded a council story of mine in front of me, claiming it was far too long on facts and figures and far too short on lively rhetoric.

"His mantra was 'there's no such thing as a slow news day, just slow reporters', and would send his staffers out with the instruction they weren't to return until they'd uncovered a front-page story." She said Mr Mayston wrote thought-provoking editorials on local, national and international affairs.

Current Rotorua Daily Post editor Kim Gillespie said he would always be thankful to Mr Mayston for giving him his first job as a journalist.

"Robin was my first editor and I learned a lot in those years." Mr Mayston had a knack for spotting potential talent among aspiring journalists, hiring a number who moved through the professional ranks to top newspaper positions nationally and internationally.

He was also a former chief reporter of the Dominion (now the Dominion Post) and editor of the Wairarapa Times Age.

Outside journalism he represented New Zealand in rifle shooting, regularly competing and scoring highly in the Ballinger Belt, the country's oldest sporting trophy. He was an avid pigeon fancier, again competing at a national level.

His son Blair, who was educated at Rotorua Lakes High School, also entered journalism and is now a senior reporter at the Otago Daily Times, where his father had also worked.

Mr Mayston died at home on Monday.

He is survived by his wife Marg, children Murray, Nic, Geoff, Jacqui, and Blair, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His service is at Betts Chapel, Timaru, on April 7.