Former Kawerau Mayor and Regional Councillor, Malcolm Campbell, Has Passed Away

Willetts Funeral Services said on Thursday, 21 May, Malcolm Campbell passed "peacefully after a short illness in Kawerau."

He was 73 years old. 

"Dearly loved Husband of Adrienne. Cherished father of Byron and Anita, and Ashley and Cliff. Adoring Koro to Tegan, Camryn and Sammy. A much loved, brother-in-Law, uncle and friend to many," Willetts Funeral Services wrote in a Facebook post this afternoon.

"Malcolm will lay at home in Kawerau, you are welcome to come and pay your respects from Saturday 23rd between the hours of 10 am and 2pm," it said.

"A celebration of Malcolm's life will be held in the Kawerau Town Hall, Islington Street, Kawerau on Wednesday 27th May at 11am followed by a private cremation."

Willetts Funeral Services said in lieu of flowers please donations can be made to Hospice E.B.O.P online or may be left at the service

Campbell was Mayor of Kawerau from 2001 to 2022, one of the longest serving mayors in Aotearoa.

In 2022, he became a regional councillor and has been for the last 4 years.

He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 New Year Honours, for his outstanding services to local government and the community.

Outside of politics, Campbell ran a local butchery for 47 years. 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Matemoana McDonald said "Malcolm's departure is akin to the felling of a tōtara tree, a symbol of honour and significance in Te Ao Māori. Its fall represents a profound loss to the entire community."

McDonald described Campbell as one of local government's great characters with tireless devotion and a profound impact on the Eastern Bay of Plenty community. 

Campbell guided Kawerau through periods of economic and social change while championing opportunities for growth, jobs and investment, she said. 

“Malcolm was fiercely proud of Kawerau and deeply committed to the people who called it home."  

“He was a straight talker, a practical thinker, and someone who understood how to bring people together to get things done."

His strong connection with communities, iwi, businesses and central government was always driven by the goal of improving outcomes for Kawerau and the wider Eastern Bay, she said. 

McDonald said Campbell combined toughness with genuine care and empathy.

“His long‑standing relationship with tangata whenua has been central to his work, reflected in his valued contributions as a member of both the Rangitāiki River Forum and the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group."

"His commitment to partnership, respect for mātauranga Māori, and consistent advocacy for the health and wellbeing of the awa earned him deep trust."

Since 2022, he brought experience, connection, and perspective to the Regional Council table, never losing "his focus on people and place, and his advice was always grounded in common sense, honesty and care." 

McDonald extends the deepest condolences to Campbell's family, friends, colleagues and the Kawerau community. 

“Malcolm leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership and aroha. He will be deeply missed.”

Former Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner said Campbell was "a strong leader with an astute eye on the future."

"He loved the District of Kawerau and its ongoing potential was his focus."

She said she enjoyed speaking with him about his take on all things happening within local government. 

"While he was emphatic regarding his position on many things, he was very happy to challenged by others ideas."

"Agreeing to disagree on some matters without it damaging our friendship or ability to work together on other future issues was fantastic."

She thanked his whānay for the many sacrifices they have made so Campbell "could serve the District he loved with passion."

Whakatāne District Mayor Nándor Tánczos said he extends "sincere condolences to the whanau pani and to the community of Kawerau" on behalf of the Whakatāne District in a Facebook post. 

Tánczos described Campbell's contribution to Kawerau as extraordainary. 

The seven terms as Mayor and two as a councillor "represent a remarkable commitment to local government, public service and to his community. That level of dedication spans generations, and reflects both the trust placed in him by the people of Kawerau and the steadfast leadership he provided in return."

Tánczos said Campbell's legacy "is one of persistence, practicality, and a connection to the people he served."

"Our thoughts are with Malcolm’s whānau, friends, and all those in Kawerau who are feeling his loss at this time."

"Moe mai ra e te rangatira."