New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 49
Here are 4 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 49:
George Davidson
George Davidson (October 8, 1898 New Zealand-September 25, 1948 New Zealand) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his achievements as a rugby union player and coach. Davidson played for the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, from 1921 to 1928, earning 16 caps during his career. He was also the captain of the 1928 team that toured South Africa.
After his playing career ended, Davidson became a successful rugby coach, leading the Auckland provincial team to six consecutive Ranfurly Shield victories from 1934 to 1939. He also coached the New Zealand national team on their tour of Australia in 1936.
In addition to his rugby accomplishments, Davidson was also a talented cricketer, representing Auckland in first-class matches. He was even offered a contract to play for Yorkshire in England but declined the offer.
Outside of sports, Davidson worked as an accountant and served in World War II as a captain in the New Zealand Army. He died in 1948 from a heart attack at the age of 49.
During his rugby career, George Davidson was known for his exceptional speed and agility, which made him a formidable opponent on the field. He was also highly respected for his leadership skills both on and off the field. After his retirement as a player, he became a sought-after commentator, providing expert analysis of rugby matches for the radio.
Davidson was an active member of his local community, and he frequently gave speeches and attended events to help raise money for various causes, including war relief efforts. He was also a dedicated family man, having married his wife Margaret in 1924 and raising three children with her.
Today, George Davidson is remembered as one of New Zealand's greatest rugby players and coaches. In 1995, he was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to the sport. His legacy continues to inspire young rugby players throughout the country.
After retiring from rugby, George Davidson also became involved in sports administration, serving as the chairman of the Auckland Rugby Union from 1946 until his death in 1948. He was recognized for his contributions to the sport when he was posthumously inducted into the International Rugby Board Hall of Fame in 2011. Davidson's influence on rugby in New Zealand is still felt today, and his success as both a player and coach helped to establish the sport as an integral part of the country's cultural identity. His name is often mentioned alongside other great New Zealand rugby legends like Colin Meads, Jonah Lomu, and Richie McCaw. Davidson's tireless dedication to rugby continues to inspire and motivate young players and coaches around the world.
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John Drake
John Drake (January 22, 1959 Auckland-December 13, 2008 Mount Maunganui) also known as John Alan Drake was a New Zealand writer, journalist and football player.
As a young man, Drake played for various football clubs in New Zealand, including Mount Maunganui and Papamoa FC. He later transitioned to a career in writing and journalism, covering a wide range of topics from sports to politics. Drake's work was featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Times of London, and Sports Illustrated.
In addition to his writing, Drake was actively involved in promoting initiatives to improve the quality of life in his community. He served as the chairman of the Mount Maunganui Community Board and was a passionate advocate for issues such as environmental protection and social justice.
Drake's life was tragically cut short in 2008 when he passed away at the age of 49 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and his work remains an important contribution to the world of journalism and literature in New Zealand.
Drake's love for football continued throughout his life, and he remained a devoted fan of the sport. He also had a passion for music and was an accomplished singer and guitarist, performing in local bands in his youth. As a writer, Drake was known for his engaging storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in his writing. He was the author of several books, including "Football: The New Zealand Story" and "Journeys to the Interior: New Zealand's Hidden Gems." In 2001, he was awarded the New Zealand Sports Journalist of the Year award for his coverage of the All Blacks' tour of South Africa. Drake's contributions to his community were honored posthumously with the establishment of the John Drake Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a student pursuing a career in journalism or writing.
Drake's interest in sports extended beyond just football - he was also an avid sailor and competed in several sailing races in and around New Zealand. He was particularly passionate about preserving the country's coastlines and worked closely with environmental organizations to protect the marine ecosystem.
Throughout his career, Drake interviewed some of the biggest names in sports and politics, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and legendary footballer Pele. He was respected for his insightful questions and his ability to put his subjects at ease during interviews.
Drake's impact on the community extended beyond his years as the chairman of the Mount Maunganui Community Board. He was an advocate for mental health awareness and encouraged people to seek help when needed. His legacy lives on through the John Drake Memorial Foundation, which continues to support the causes he was passionate about.
Despite his success as a writer and journalist, Drake remained grounded and humble. He once said, "I’m just a boy from a small town who has been lucky enough to have some great experiences and meet some amazing people along the way." His dedication to his craft and his community will always be remembered.
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Mama Tere Strickland
Mama Tere Strickland (July 15, 1963 Cook Islands-August 3, 2012) a.k.a. Teremoananuiakiwa Strickland Tahere or Charlie Strickland Tahere was a New Zealand personality.
Mama Tere Strickland was a prominent social worker, community activist and founder of the South Auckland charity organisation, “Mama Tere's Home of Hope”. She was born in the Cook Islands and moved to New Zealand at a young age. Mama Tere was a tireless advocate for young people and families in her community, working to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence. She was a regular contributor to public debates on social and political issues affecting Māori and Pacific Islander communities. She was also a recipient of several awards for her work, including the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009. Mama Tere passed away in 2012 at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service to her community.
Throughout her life, Mama Tere Strickland Tahere remained a champion of social justice, dedicating herself to supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable members of her community. She founded Mama Tere's Home of Hope, an organization that provides shelter, food, and other essential services to families experiencing homelessness, and under her leadership, the organization grew to become one of the largest charities in South Auckland.
Mama Tere was also deeply involved in efforts to combat domestic violence and other forms of abuse, working with government agencies and community leaders to ensure that victims received the support they needed to escape dangerous situations. In recognition of her tireless work, she was awarded the prestigious Kiwibank Local Hero Award in 2010.
Outside of her activism, Mama Tere was also a mother, grandmother, and respected elder in her community. She was known for her wisdom, humor, and generous spirit, and her passing was mourned by countless friends, family members, and supporters. Today, Mama Tere's legacy continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Mama Tere Strickland Tahere's commitment to social justice began at a young age, when she experienced poverty and homelessness herself. She later became a social worker and dedicated her career to helping others who were struggling in similar ways. Mama Tere was a powerful advocate for providing more resources and support to Māori and Pacific Islander communities, which often experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and health problems than other groups in New Zealand.
Mama Tere's Home of Hope was just one of several initiatives that she founded or supported over the years. She was also involved in the establishment of Pasifika Women's Alliance, a group that provided support and resources to Pacific Islander women experiencing domestic violence, and Tere's Garden, a community space that provided fresh produce and gardening opportunities to local families.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks over the years, Mama Tere remained deeply committed to her work and to the people she served. She was a powerful voice for change and a beloved figure in Auckland's Southside community. Mama Tere's life serves as a powerful example of the difference that one person can make when they truly dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others.
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Fred Baker
Fred Baker (June 19, 1908 Kohukohu-June 1, 1958 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.
He was an accomplished broadcaster, actor, and musician who had a significant influence on the entertainment industry in New Zealand. He worked as a broadcaster for the National Radio Station in Auckland and Wellington and was a well-known voice in New Zealand homes during the 1940s and 1950s. He was also a skilled actor, starring in several New Zealand films, including his most famous role as the lead in the film "Rewi's Last Stand". Additionally, Fred Baker was an accomplished musician, playing the guitar, banjo, and ukulele. He entertained audiences with his music both on the radio and in stage shows. Despite his relatively short life, Fred Baker left an indelible mark on New Zealand's entertainment industry and is remembered fondly by many New Zealanders.
In addition to his work as a broadcaster, actor, and musician, Fred Baker was also a talented writer. He wrote and starred in his own comedy series on radio, called "The Laughing Kiwi". The show was wildly popular and helped establish Baker as a comedic talent.
Baker was also a pioneer in the emerging medium of television. In 1956, he became the first host of New Zealand's first television game show, "It's in the Bag". The show became an instant hit and ran for over 20 years, establishing Baker as a beloved television personality.
A keen sportsman, Baker was also a talented rugby union player and coached the Wellington Maori rugby team for a time. He was known for his love of horses and was involved in horse racing, both as an owner and commentator.
Tragically, Fred Baker passed away at the age of 49 from a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of entertainment and innovation in New Zealand. He was posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Radio Awards Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing his place in the country's cultural history.
Throughout his career, Fred Baker was known for his friendly and approachable personality. He was beloved by audiences for his wit, charm, and unique voice, which he used to great effect in his various roles as broadcaster, actor, and television host. He was a great communicator who had a natural talent for connecting with people on a personal level. This made him a popular figure both on and off screen, and helped him to leave a lasting impression on the entertainment industry in New Zealand.
Baker's influence on the industry was no small feat, as he was among the first local personalities to really make a mark on the country's cultural landscape. He was a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of performers, writers, and broadcasters, and his legacy continues to inspire people to this day. He was a true icon of New Zealand's entertainment industry, and his life and work have become an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.
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