Tribute to Colin Kay

Manukau’s acting mayor Gary Troup expresses his regret at the passing of former Auckland mayor Colin Kay today.

Colin was mayor of Auckland from 1980 to 1983, during Sir Lloyd Elsmore’s tenure as mayor of Manukau.

Councillor Troup says that Colin began his life of community service during his years at Kings College as a House Prefect.

“Colin knew the real meaning of public service and served his community well. His nine years as Auckland City councillor, followed by three as mayor and a further six on the regional council were just some of the years of service he gave to the community.

“As a fellow sportsman I admire the commitment he gave to his participation in and administration of sport.

“From representing New Zealand in the triple jump at the Empire Games, and playing 2nd grade rugby for Auckland, Colin moved into sports administration and excelled. He was appointed Chairman of Auckland Athletics and at the age of 36, he was appointed the youngest ever General Manager to lead the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team to Perth.

“He jointly founded the NZ Sports Foundation and served as its Governor for 16 years. He served on the Board of Directors for the 1990 Commonwealth Games and on the Board of Netball New Zealand for the 1999 World Championships. He also chaired the Peter Snell Institute of Sport.

“And let’s not forget that in his spare time, Colin founded the Round the Bays run.

“It was entirely appropriate that he was knighted for this extraordinary level of service in 1990.

“Colin was well respected, not only in the Counties Manukau area, but by all who knew him. He was working hard for the Institute of Sport as recently as a few weeks ago. He was a genuinely nice person and will be missed. We extend our condolences to his family.”

Manukau councillors observed a minute of silence during this morning’s Policy & Activities Committee meeting.

ENDS

Colin Kay
Kings College House Prefect 1943, Sen Athletics 1939-43; CBE 1990, JP, Auck City Councillor 1971-80, Mayor of Auck 1980-83, Auck Regional Council 1986-92 (Chairperson), NZ Uni Athletic Blue 1946, 49, 51, NZ Rep to Aust 1949, NZ TripleJump Champ 1949-51, NZ Rep Empire Games 1950; Mgr NZU Athletic Team Australia 1956, Gen Mgr NZ Team Perth Commonwealth Games 1962, Dir Commonwealth Games Co 1990, Laura Fergusson Trust (Chmn), NZ Deaf Sports Assoc (Chmn), Life Mem NZ Sports Found, Auck Philharmonia (Trustee), Founder Auck Joggers Club, Founder Around the Bays Run (Trustee of Fund), Mt Smart Stadium (Trustee), North Shore Theatre Appeal (Chmn 1994)