Joan Eileen Williamson-Orr QSO JP (née Russell; 17 October 1930 – 2 March 2023), also known as Joan Williamson, was the mayor of Taupō, New Zealand, from 1986 to 2001. Her career saw her elected as the last mayor of the Taupō Borough Council, and then the first mayor of Taupō District from 1988.
Joan Williamson-Orr | |
|---|---|
| Last Mayor of Taupō Borough Council | |
| In office 1986–1988 | |
| Preceded by | Clem Currie |
| 1st Mayor of Taupō District | |
| In office 1988–2001 | |
| Succeeded by | Clayton Stent |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joan Eileen Russell 17 October 1930 |
| Died | 2 March 2023 (aged 92) |
| Relatives |
|
Political career edit
Williamson-Orr, campaigning as Joan Williamson, was first elected to the Taupō Borough Council in 1977. From 1983 to 1986, she was deputy mayor. In 1986, Clem Currie retired and Williamson was elected mayor.[1]
In 1988, the new Taupō District held its first elections, returning Williamson as mayor. She held that position until retiring in 2001.[2]
Honours and awards edit
In 1990, Williamson received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.[3] She was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993.[4] In the 1993 New Year Honours, she was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services.[5] Taupō's Joan Williamson Rose Garden was named for her in 2007.[3]
Family edit
Williamson was twice married, firstly to Stuart Williamson and later to Tom Orr, and had six children.[6] As of March 2023[update], her son, John Williamson, is a Taupō district councillor. Two grandsons, Kane Williamson and Dane Cleaver, have played cricket for New Zealand.[7][8] A granddaughter, Louisa Williamson, is known as a saxophonist and composer.[1]
Death edit
Williamson died on 2 March 2023, aged 92.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c Martin, Matthew (3 March 2023). "Former Taupō mayor 'left a huge mark' on the district". Stuff. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Tributes flow for Taupō's first mayor Joan Williamson". New Zealand Herald. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ a b "Former mayor Joan Williamson 'left a huge mark' on the Taupō District". Taupō District Council. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 – register of recipients". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
- ^ "No. 53154". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 31 December 1992. p. 30.
- ^ "Joan Williamson-Orr obituary". The New Zealand Herald. 4 March 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Ian (17 January 2023). "Grandmother defends Black Caps' captain Kane Williamson from criticism". Stuff. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ Beck, David (23 June 2023). "Taupō grandmother full of pride with two grandsons in Black Caps". New Zealand Herald.