Key Takeaways
- Adrienne Staples, deputy chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council and former South Wairarapa mayor, died suddenly on Sunday night after a medical event.
- She served four terms on the regional council and was elected GWRC deputy chair three times, plus held the South Wairarapa mayoralty from 2004 to 2016.
- Leaders across the Wellington region praised her strong rural perspective, dedication to public service, and ability to build relationships that benefited the wider area.
- Staples received national and international honours, including appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun for her work fostering Japan‑New Zealand friendship.
- Tributes highlighted her legacy in community projects such as the Greytown town‑hall redevelopment, Martinborough’s Waihinga Centre, and the Cross Creek to Featherston cycle trail.
Announcement and Official Statement
Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and South Wairarapa District Council issued a joint statement on Monday morning expressing deep sorrow over the sudden death of Adrienne Staples. The statement described her as a respected colleague, community leader, former South Wairarapa mayor, and current deputy chairperson of GWRC. It noted that staff and elected members were profoundly saddened by her loss, underscoring the breadth of her influence across both councils. The announcement set the tone for the ensuing tributes, confirming that her passing was felt not only as a personal loss but also as a significant void in regional leadership.
Circumstances of Her Passing
According to the statement, Staples died late on Sunday night following a medical event that occurred earlier that evening. No further details about the nature of the event were provided, but the timing highlighted the suddenness of her departure. The abrupt nature of her death intensified the sense of shock among colleagues and community members who had worked closely with her. This concise explanation framed the subsequent reflections, as speakers repeatedly referred to the unexpected loss and the difficulty of coming to terms with it.
Tribute from GWRC Chair Daran Ponter
GWRC chairperson Daran Ponter paid a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing Staples’ enduring contribution to regional leadership and public service. He highlighted that she brought a clear rural perspective to the council table, grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s communities. Ponter described her as generous with her time, thoughtful in her advice, and unwavering in her commitment to serving her neighbours. He concluded by noting that the region had lost a strong voice and that he personally had lost a good friend, reflecting both the professional and personal dimensions of her impact.
Reflections from Former Masterton Mayor Bob Francis
A photograph accompanying the article showed Staples alongside former Masterton mayor Lyn Paterson and then deputy police commissioner Mike Bush, underscoring her collaborative networks. Former Masterton mayor Bob Francis described her passing as a massive loss for her family, the region, and South Wairarapa specifically. He called her a “top woman” and expressed his personal grief, stating he was “really feeling it.” Francis praised her effectiveness as a mayor and noted one of her key strengths was forging good relationships with key people in Wellington, which in turn benefited the wider region. He affirmed that she had acquitted herself well in all her roles, reinforcing the view of her as a capable and respected leader.
Tribute from Former Deputy Mayor Viv Napier
Viv Napier, who served as Staples’ deputy mayor for four terms, shared her sorrow, describing the loss as “unbelievable” and hard to comprehend. Napier recalled working closely with Staples, noting that she always gave everything 100 percent plus and was passionately committed to her duties. She highlighted Staples’ role as a strong advocate for Wairarapa in every position she held. Napier extended her condolences to Staples’ family, reinforcing the personal bond that had developed through years of collaborative service. Her words underscored the depth of Staples’ dedication and the impact of her leadership on those who worked alongside her.
Remarks from Former Carterton Mayor Ron Mark
Former Carterton mayor Ron Mark said Staples’ passing had come as a shock, expressing sympathy for her husband Don and her family. He described her as a staunch Wairarapa advocate and public servant who had served the region for many years. Mark characterised her as a pragmatist and a “rural girl through and through,” emphasizing that her actions were consistently guided by the best interests of Wairarapa. He noted that her loyalty and faithfulness as a representative extended well beyond the region’s borders, and he praised her as an exceptional mayor. His tribute reinforced the image of Staples as a grounded, effective leader rooted in her community.
Acknowledgment from GWRC Chief Executive Nigel Corry
GWRC chief executive Nigel Corry acknowledged Staples’ leadership and the respect she commanded across the organisation. He described her as a principled leader who worked constructively with both elected members and staff. Corry pointed out that her focus on practical outcomes—especially for rural communities—had helped shape better decisions for the region. On behalf of Greater Wellington and its staff, he extended the deepest condolences to her husband Don, her whānau, friends, and loved ones. He concluded by stating that her commitment to rural communities was a defining feature of her public service and that she had remained a strong, trusted voice throughout her career.
Legacy Highlights by South Wairarapa Mayor Dame Fran Wilde
South Wairarapa mayor Dame Fran Wilde paid tribute to Staples’ legacy, emphasizing her deep care for South Wairarapa and its neighbouring districts and the people who call them home. Wilde noted that Staples understood the communities she served and championed them with unwavering courage and compassion. She highlighted specific achievements that formed part of Staples’ enduring legacy: the redevelopment of Greytown’s historic town hall, the creation of Martinborough’s Waihinga Centre, and the establishment of the Cross Creek to Featherston cycle trail. Wilde expressed that the community’s thoughts were with Staples’ husband Don and her whānau, and affirmed that future efforts would continue to remember her life of service and her joy in living in this special place.
Personal Recollections and Honours from Councillor Colin Olds and National Recognition
Long‑standing South Wairarapa councillor Colin Olds remembered Staples as a very strong‑willed lady with a wicked sense of humour. He recalled her early support for community initiatives and how, when he was elected in 2013, she took him under her wing and taught him the ropes, describing her as a great mentor to work under. Olds affirmed that she had been a very good mayor. The article also noted Staples’ broader recognition: she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government and received Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun in acknowledgment of her promotion of Japan‑New Zealand friendship and mutual understanding. The regional council’s statement urged the public to remember and acknowledge her service, leadership, and enduring commitment to the Wairarapa and wider Wellington region, while noting that funeral arrangements would be communicated by her family. The piece concluded with a reminder that LDR is the local‑body journalism initiative co‑funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.