Tribute to long standing district resident Mr Murray Black

Taupo District Council is formally acknowledging long standing community member Mr Murray Black at the Council meeting on Tuesday 27 May and is encouraging friends and supporters to attend this special occasion.

Mr Black’s contribution and commitment to the Taupo District and wider region since 1962 has been outstanding. Taupo District Council wants to formally recognise Mr Black’s extraordinary length and level of public service in a manner that will remain a long standing tribute to him.

“Mr Black has made an unparalleled contribution to the Taupo District Community and the region over the years and this Council wants to pay tribute to Mr Black in a fitting way,” said Deputy Mayor Christine McElwee.

Mr Black was initially elected to the Taupo County Council in 1962 and served as County Chairman from 1972 – 1988.

He chaired the Tongariro United Council from 1979 – 1989, the Waikato Valley Authority from 1980 – 1988, was elected to Environment Waikato in 1989 and chaired the regional authority from 1991 – 1995.

Some of the many other organisations that he has either chaired or been a member of include the National Water and Soil Conservation Authority, the NZ Catchment Authority, the NZ Counties Association, the Lake Taupo Reserves Board, the Lake Taupo Advisory Committee, the Trustbank Bay of Plenty Community Trust and various tribunals to establish National Water Conservation Orders.

Councillor Andrew Welch, who served alongside Mr Black on the Taupo County Council said “this is a very special honour and it would be great to see some of Mr Black’s friends and supporters along to celebrate the occasion.”

The ceremony will be held at 1pm on Tuesday 27 May in the Taupo District Council Chamber at 72 Lake Terrace. All are welcome and limited mobility access facilities are available.