Leadershipdevoted,inclusive,warm

• Published date: 03 July 2021
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

Dave Cull was a mayor renowned for building partnerships, communicating effectively and responding to circumstances pragmatically.

‘‘A grateful city’’ was his legacy, Otago regional councillor and former Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson said.

‘‘It’s a much more positive place than in 2010.’’

With a varied background in home renovation, television presenting and as an author, Mr Cull was elected on to the Dunedin City Council in 2007; he defeated incumbent city mayor Peter Chin three years later and served three terms at the helm.

He retired somewhat in 2019, but could not resist further public service in the form of chairing the Southern District Health Board, before illness forced him from the role.

Mr Cull was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2020 and died at his Dunedin home on April 27, 2021, aged 71.

The Queen’s approval for Mr Cull to be made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to local government, had taken effect the previous day.

The citation for the award said he implemented a plan for restructuring council-controlled organisations, improved the financial state of the city, and placed openness and transparency at the forefront of democratic process.

He was credited with instigating work in digital excellence and heritage reuse, and building strong sister city relationships with Edinburgh and Shanghai.

Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta said Mr Cull led the council through a period of fiscal restraint after the Global Financial Crisis and the added debt burden from building Forsyth Barr Stadium. He had opposed construction of the roofed stadium when he was a councillor, but endorsed it as mayor.

Ms Mahuta said he restored trust in the council after a bitter debate that divided the community.

Former council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose said Mr Cull would gather opinions from beyond his support base — he listened to the old and young, gang members, prisoners, new immigrants and long-time residents.

He looked to the future, Dr Bidrose said.

‘‘With that cheeky grin and that twinkle in his eye, he built coalitions and he got the best out of all of us and Dunedin thrived.’’

Mr Cull’s own reflection was he was satisfied with his time leading the city council.

‘‘I’ve come to the end of the most fulfilling decade of my working life so far,’’ he said in a farewell speech as mayor.

His tip at the time for candidates looking to succeed him: ‘‘There is almost nothing a mayor can achieve on his or her own.’’

Dave...