Manukau Mayor Len Brown pays tribute to Sir Lloyd Elsmore

Manukau Mayor Len Brown has paid tribute to the late Sir Lloyd Elsmore, O.B.E.,J.P., the former mayor of Manukau who passed away yesterday aged 94. Sir Lloyd was the second mayor of Manukau and held office from 1968 to 1983.

Len Brown says he was a visionary at a critical period in the city’s development and was truly a man for his time. “He and his predecessor Hugh Lambie set the benchmark for leadership when Manukau was in its infancy.

“He was very much a uniting force for the city in its early days when it was a diverse mixture of town and country. The result of that leadership can still be seen today. Sir Lloyd left his mark by promoting unity, strategic urban planning, balanced economic growth and high-quality community facilities. That vision is still followed by the council today.

“Personally, he was a man of integrity and honesty. Politically, he was highly skilled and a formidable leader of the council. He knew how to get things done.

“He was the driving force behind the development of Manukau City Centre as well as Pakuranga Shopping Centre. But he also had remarkable achievements in his personal life, and opened the first motel in New Zealand.

“I got to know him well over the past year and last saw him less than a month ago, when I visited him with my family. He was a real straight shooter and even at 94 was as sharp as a tack, strong willed and had great memory and recall. But what impressed me most was that he still had an absolute passion for, and up to date knowledge of, Manukau.

“Sir Lloyd had devoted his life to public service and was very respected by all who knew him. It was appropriate that he was knighted for his extraordinary level of public and community service.”