New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 75
Here are 25 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 75:
William Pember Reeves
William Pember Reeves (February 10, 1857 Lyttelton-May 16, 1932 London) was a New Zealand writer, lawyer, journalist and politician.
He is best known for his influential book, "The Long White Cloud: Ao Tea Roa," which is a comprehensive history of New Zealand. Reeves was also a member of the New Zealand Parliament and served as Minister of Labour and Minister of Education. In addition, he played a pivotal role in developing the New Zealand education system and establishing the country's first university. Reeves later moved to London, where he served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was widely respected as a scholar, statesman, and advocate for New Zealand's interests on the world stage.
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Sylvia Ashton-Warner
Sylvia Ashton-Warner (December 17, 1908 Stratford-April 28, 1984) was a New Zealand writer.
She was best known for her innovative approach to education and her work in teaching children through their own language and cultural experiences, which was documented in her book "Teacher." Ashton-Warner spent several years as a teacher both in New Zealand and abroad, including in rural Maori communities. She also wrote several other works of fiction and non-fiction, including "Spinster" and "Bell Call." In 1982, she was awarded the Order of Merit, one of New Zealand's highest honors, for her contributions to literature and education.
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William Swainson
William Swainson (April 25, 1809 Lancaster-December 1, 1884 Auckland) was a New Zealand lawyer.
He was born in Lancaster, England, and educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Swainson trained as a lawyer and was admitted to the bar in 1831. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1841, where he initially worked as a lawyer in Wellington. Swainson was also a keen naturalist, and his interest in the flora and fauna of New Zealand saw him become one of the founding members of the New Zealand Society in 1851. He authored several books on natural history, including "A Manual of the New Zealand Coleoptera" and "A Dictionary of English and Maori Words." In 1855, Swainson was appointed a judge, eventually rising to become Chief Justice of New Zealand from 1856 to 1867. He remained active in his retirement, continuing to publish works on natural history until his death in 1884.
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Thomas Mackenzie
Thomas Mackenzie (March 10, 1854 Edinburgh-February 14, 1930 Dunedin) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a politician who served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1920. During his time in office, he introduced several significant welfare and social reforms, including the establishment of a state pension and workers' compensation scheme. Prior to his political career, Mackenzie worked as a journalist and newspaper editor in Dunedin. He was also a prominent member of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church and was involved in various social and religious organizations. After his retirement from politics in 1920, Mackenzie remained active in public life, continuing to champion progressive causes and promoting the interests of his constituency in Otago.
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Thomas William Hislop
Thomas William Hislop (April 8, 1850 Kirknewton, West Lothian-October 2, 1925 Wellington) was a New Zealand lawyer. His child is called Thomas Hislop.
Thomas William Hislop was born in Scotland and studied law at the University of Edinburgh before immigrating to New Zealand in 1873. He first settled in Invercargill and then moved to Wellington where he established a successful law practice.
In addition to his legal career, Hislop was also involved in politics. He was a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council from 1896 to 1902, and then served in the House of Representatives from 1902 to 1919.
Hislop was known for his intelligence, wit, and dedication to public service. He was an active member of the Wellington community and was involved in many local organizations and charities.
After his death in 1925, Hislop was remembered as a respected lawyer, politician, and community leader. His legacy lives on through his son, Thomas Hislop, and through the many contributions he made to the development of New Zealand.
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Walter Mantell
Walter Mantell (March 11, 1820 Lewes-September 7, 1895 Wellington) was a New Zealand scientist.
He was particularly interested in geology and paleontology, and became a recognized expert in the field. Mantell's contributions to science in New Zealand were significant - he was responsible for discovering and describing many new species of fossils, and was instrumental in establishing a geological survey in the country.
Mantell was also involved in politics, serving briefly as a Member of Parliament for Wellington. He was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in recognition of his contributions to science. He is remembered as one of New Zealand's early pioneers of natural history research, and his legacy can still be seen in the collections and institutions that he helped to establish.
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George Douglas Robb
George Douglas Robb (April 5, 1899-April 5, 1974) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a renowned pilot, journalist, author, and broadcaster. Robb was known for his contributions to aviation, having served in the Royal Air Force during World War I and later being actively involved in the establishment of the National Airways Corporation of New Zealand.
Robb was also a prolific writer and journalist, having worked for several major newspapers and magazines in New Zealand and the United States. He authored several books on aviation, including "Flying Fun," "Skyways to a Jungle Laboratory," and "New Zealand Flying Adventures."
In addition to his aviation and writing pursuits, Robb was also a well-known broadcaster for the New Zealand Broadcasting Service. His radio program, "George Robb's Aerial Review," was one of the country's most popular shows during the 1940s and 1950s.
Overall, George Douglas Robb was a multifaceted personality who made significant contributions to the fields of aviation, journalism, and broadcasting in New Zealand.
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James Crowe Richmond
James Crowe Richmond (September 22, 1822 London-January 19, 1898 Otaki) was a New Zealand engineer. He had one child, Dorothy Kate Richmond.
Richmond was educated at Kings College, London, and started his engineering career in England. In 1850, he emigrated to New Zealand and was appointed as the chief surveyor of the Wellington Province, where he oversaw a number of significant public works projects.
In 1858, Richmond was appointed as the first engineer of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, a role in which he oversaw the construction of the railway line between Wellington and Palmerston North. Later, he became the Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department, overseeing a range of important infrastructure projects across the country.
In his personal life, Richmond was a keen naturalist and collector of botanical specimens. He also had an interest in photography, and his photographs of early New Zealand provide a fascinating insight into the country's history.
Richmond passed away on January 19, 1898, in Otaki, New Zealand, at the age of 76. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the development of New Zealand's infrastructure and for his role in shaping the country's early history.
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Cyril Stiles
Cyril Stiles (October 10, 1904-April 5, 1980) was a New Zealand personality.
He was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and showed a passion for acting from a young age. He began his career as a radio announcer in 1924 and eventually worked his way up to become the head of the Radio Drama Department for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation. Stiles was known for his versatility as a performer, having acted in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to countless commercials, documentaries, and educational programs. He was instrumental in promoting arts and culture in New Zealand, serving as the chairman of the New Zealand Performing Rights Society and founding the Mercury Theatre in Auckland. Stiles was awarded the OBE in 1966 for his contributions to broadcasting and the arts.
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Les Gandar
Les Gandar (January 26, 1919 New Zealand-December 16, 1994) also known as Leslie Walter (Les) Gandar or Leslie Walter Gandar was a New Zealand politician.
He was a member of the New Zealand National Party and served as the Member of Parliament for Raglan from 1966 to 1978. During his time in parliament, Gandar was an advocate for the dairy industry and played a key role in the introduction of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act in 1978. Prior to his political career, Gandar served in World War II as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He was also a successful businessman and owned and operated several dairy farms in the Waikato region. Gandar passed away in 1994 at the age of 75.
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Charles Wilson
Charles Wilson (January 1, 1857 Harrogate-February 9, 1932) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for founding the Wilson Home for Crippled Children in Auckland, New Zealand in 1899. Wilson was a successful businessman who generously contributed his wealth towards improving the lives of children with disabilities. He was also actively involved in politics and served as Mayor of Devonport from 1901 to 1903. In recognition of his philanthropic work, Wilson was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1916. The Wilson Home for Crippled Children continues to operate today as a leading provider of rehabilitation services and support for children with disabilities in New Zealand.
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Norman Douglas
Norman Douglas (March 15, 1910-August 26, 1985) was a New Zealand politician. He had two children, Roger Douglas and Bill Anderton.
Norman Douglas was born in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1910. He studied at the University of Otago before embarking on a career in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament representing the Labour Party from 1943 to 1949. During his time in parliament, he became known for his progressive views and his support of social welfare policies.
After leaving politics, Douglas worked as an industrial relations consultant and served on various boards and committees, including the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation and the State Services Commission. He also became known as a prominent advocate of nuclear disarmament and was involved in numerous anti-nuclear protests.
Douglas was married to his wife Myrtle for over 50 years, and together they had two children: Roger Douglas and Bill Anderton. Roger Douglas also became a politician and served as Minister of Finance and Minister of State Owned Enterprises.
Norman Douglas passed away in 1985 at the age of 75. He is remembered for his contributions to New Zealand politics, his advocacy for social welfare and nuclear disarmament, and his legacy through his son Roger Douglas.
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Brun Smith
Brun Smith (March 13, 1922-July 6, 1997) was a New Zealand personality.
He gained national fame in the 1960s as the host of "Beauty and the Beast," a talk show with a unique format where a panel of women would ask questions to a male guest. The show was controversial at the time due to its frank discussions of sex and relationships.
Smith had a long career in broadcasting, working as a radio announcer and newsreader before moving into television. He was also a freelance journalist and contributed articles to publications such as the New Zealand Herald and the Auckland Star.
Offscreen, Smith was known for his philanthropy and support of charitable causes. He was involved with organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was the founder of the Brun Smith Foundation, which raised funds for medical research.
Smith passed away in 1997 at the age of 75. He was survived by his wife and three children.
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Harry Atmore
Harry Atmore (December 14, 1870-August 20, 1946) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a well-known politician, journalist, and newspaper owner. Atmore was born in Tua Marina, Marlborough, New Zealand, and began his career as a journalist. He worked for several newspapers, including the Wellington Independent, Timaru Herald, and Auckland Star. In 1922, Atmore was elected to the New Zealand Parliament as the MP for the Northern Maori electorate and went on to serve four terms.
During his time in Parliament, Atmore became known for his advocacy on behalf of Maori issues and strove to improve their living conditions. He was also a supporter of women's suffrage and introduced a bill to Parliament to grant women the right to vote in local body elections.
In addition to his political career, Atmore was a successful businessman and owned several newspapers, including the Northern Advocate and the Te Puke Times. He was also a prolific writer and authored several books on New Zealand history and Maori culture.
Harry Atmore passed away on August 20, 1946, at the age of 75. His contributions to New Zealand politics and journalism are still celebrated today.
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John Collins
John Collins (July 7, 1868 Nelson-July 16, 1943 Ngongotaha) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his contributions in the sport of rugby, where he played for the All Blacks from 1891 to 1897 and became the captain in his final year. Collins was also an accomplished athlete, winning several championships in shot put, hammer throw, and discus.
Outside of sports, Collins was actively involved in his community. He worked as a school teacher and was a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council from 1922 to 1928. Collins was also known for his philanthropy, donating land to create a public park in his hometown of Nelson and contributing to the establishment of a hospital in Rotorua.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Collins was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and has a park named after him in Ngongotaha.
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James Hume Cook
James Hume Cook (November 24, 1866 Kihikihi-August 8, 1942 Brighton) also known as James Newton Haxton Hume Cook was a New Zealand personality.
He was a renowned mountaineer, explorer, and photographer who is best-known for his exploration of the Himalayas. Cook was one of the few people of his time who had an extensive knowledge of the region and was able to explore and map the mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Cook was also a prolific photographer and recorded his journeys in stunning detail. In addition to his mountaineering exploits, Cook was also a successful businessman, journalist, and politician. He was a member of Parliament in New Zealand from 1922 to 1928 and was also the founder of the New Zealand Alpine Club. Over the course of his life, Cook climbed numerous peaks, including the highest mountain in the British Empire at the time - Mount Everest. Despite not being recognized for his accomplishment at the time, Cook's legacy in the world of mountaineering and exploration continues to inspire adventurers and thrill-seekers today.
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Adrian Hayter
Adrian Hayter (December 22, 1914 Nelson-June 14, 1990) was a New Zealand sailor and author.
Hayter was born in Nelson and grew up in Wellington, where he developed a love for sailing. In 1936, he won the national championship in the Firefly class and went on to compete in several international sailing competitions. During World War II, Hayter served in the Royal New Zealand Navy and was involved in several naval battles in the Pacific theater.
After the war, Hayter focused on his writing career, publishing several books on his sailing adventures, including "Sailing the Pacific" and "Voyage to Tahiti." He also served as a sailing commentator for radio and television broadcasts of major sailing events.
In recognition of his contributions to sailing, Hayter was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1979. He passed away on June 14, 1990, at the age of 75.
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Bert Cooke
Bert Cooke (October 5, 1901 Auckland-September 29, 1977 Auckland) was a New Zealand personality.
He was known for his work as an actor and comedian, appearing in numerous films and on television throughout his career. Cooke began his career in entertainment as a vaudeville performer in the 1920s, and later became a regular cast member on the popular New Zealand television series "Pukemanu" in the 1970s.
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Cooke was also a radio personality, hosting his own show on Auckland station 1ZB for many years. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1956 for his contributions to entertainment in New Zealand.
Cooke was married to his wife Olga for over 50 years, and they had two children, a son and a daughter. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his death at the age of 76, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of New Zealand's most beloved performers.
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Arthur Francis
Arthur Francis (June 8, 1882 Whanganui-June 15, 1957 Takapuna) was a New Zealand personality.
Although he had no formal training in aviation, Arthur Francis became one of New Zealand's early pioneers in flight. In 1911, he purchased a Bristol Boxkite biplane and began giving demonstrations around the country. He also became the first person in New Zealand to perform a loop in an airplane.
During World War I, Francis joined the Royal Flying Corps and flew reconnaissance missions in France. After the war, he returned to New Zealand and continued his aviation career, including stints as a commercial pilot and a barnstormer.
In addition to his aviation achievements, Francis was also a successful businessman and owned several car dealerships. He was a founding member of the Auckland Aero Club and played an important role in the growth of aviation in New Zealand.
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Carmen Rupe
Carmen Rupe (October 10, 1936 Taumarunui-December 15, 2011 Sydney) was a New Zealand personality.
She was a drag performer, brothel keeper, LGBT rights activist, and politician. Carmen was born Trevor Rupe in Taumarunui, New Zealand, and later moved to Wellington to pursue her career as a performer. She gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with her drag performances and opened her own brothel, where she employed transgender sex workers in the 1980s. Carmen was also a vocal advocate for the rights of the LGBT community and was instrumental in getting anti-discrimination laws passed in New Zealand. In 1992, she ran for a seat in the Wellington City Council, becoming the first openly transgender person to run for public office in New Zealand. Despite not winning the election, she remained active in politics and continued to be a prominent LGBT rights activist until her death in 2011. Carmen was widely respected and celebrated in the LGBT community and is remembered as a trailblazer for transgender rights in New Zealand.
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A.E. Clouston
A.E. Clouston (April 7, 1908 Motueka-January 1, 1984 St Merryn) also known as Arthur Edmund Clouston was a New Zealand military officer and test pilot.
He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1928 and was posted to the United Kingdom in 1936 for advanced training. During World War II, Clouston served in various capacities including as a test pilot and squadron leader. He flew a variety of aircraft including the Hurricane, Spitfire, and Lancaster Bomber.
After the war, Clouston continued to work in aviation and became a chief test pilot for Short Brothers in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He also worked for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) as a technical advisor and was involved in the development of the De Havilland Comet jet airliner.
In addition to his aviation career, Clouston was also a prolific author and wrote numerous novels and short stories. Many of his books drew on his personal experiences as a pilot and his love of flying.
Clouston retired to Cornwall, England in the 1960s and later moved to St Merryn where he died on January 1, 1984. He was survived by his wife and two children.
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Bill Sullivan
Bill Sullivan (December 8, 1891 Inglewood-March 17, 1967 Whakatane) also known as Sir William Sullivan KCMG was a New Zealand politician.
Sullivan began his political career as a member of the Auckland City Council in 1925. He was later elected to the New Zealand Parliament in 1931 as a member of the United Party. He served as a minister in the First National Government from 1949 to 1957, holding a number of portfolio responsibilities such as Agriculture, Industries and Commerce, and Transport.
In 1958, he was appointed as New Zealand's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held until his retirement in 1962. He was knighted in 1950 and was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1957.
In addition to his political and diplomatic career, Sullivan was also involved in business and served as the chairman of the Bank of New Zealand from 1957 to 1965.
Throughout his career, Sullivan was known for being a pragmatic leader who focused on achieving results. His legacy remains prominent in New Zealand politics, business and diplomacy today.
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Harry Dudfield
Harry Dudfield (May 12, 1912 Gisborne-July 19, 1987 Tawa, New Zealand) was a New Zealand politician.
He served as a member of parliament for the New Zealand National Party from 1960 to 1978, representing the Wellington Suburbs and the Ohariu constituencies. Dudfield held several portfolio responsibilities during his political career, including Minister of Transport and Minister of Mines. He is also remembered for advocating for the construction of the Johnsonville-Porirua Motorway, which was finally completed after his death. Prior to his political career, Dudfield worked as a dairy farmer and was actively involved in various community organizations. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 for his services to New Zealand.
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Lauris Edmond
Lauris Edmond (April 2, 1924 New Zealand-January 28, 2000 Oriental Bay) was a New Zealand personality. Her child is called Martin Edmond.
Lauris Edmond was a celebrated poet, writer, and teacher who made significant contributions to the literary scene in New Zealand. She was known for her ability to capture the everyday experiences of New Zealanders, and her work often explored themes of identity, family, and community. In addition to her numerous books of poetry and prose, Edmond was a respected editor and critic. She was also an influential teacher, having taught creative writing at various universities and institutions throughout New Zealand. Edmond was awarded several prestigious honors for her work, including the Order of New Zealand in 1995 and the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Poetry in 2000. Despite her many accomplishments, Lauris Edmond remained a humble and down-to-earth person, deeply connected to her family, friends, and community.
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William Hayward
William Hayward (April 5, 1868-June 1, 1943) was a New Zealand politician, businessperson and horse breeder.
He entered politics in 1905, when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the conservative Reform Party. Throughout his political career, he was appointed to a number of important positions, including Minister of Agriculture and the Treasurer. In addition to his political work, Hayward was also a successful businessman who owned a number of farms and businesses across New Zealand.
In the early 1900s, he also became involved in the racing industry and became well known as a breeder of high-quality horses. He was the owner of multiple successful racehorses, including the famous mare Desert Gold. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Auckland Racing Club and served as its first president.
Despite his success in business and politics, Hayward faced controversy during his career. In 1922, he was implicated in a scandal surrounding the awarding of a lucrative government contract to a company he had financial ties to. Although he was later cleared of any wrongdoing, the scandal damaged his reputation and he resigned from his government positions.
Despite this setback, Hayward remained active in public life and continued to breed horses and participate in the racing industry until his death in 1943. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in New Zealand's political and racing history.
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