Former Dunedin Mayor Dave cull has died aged 71.
Cull served three terms as Dunedin Mayor before stepping down in 2019 to spend more time with his family.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2020 and had been receiving chemotherapy, the Otago Daily Times reported.
He spent over a month in hospital this year before being discharged in March where he then spent four nights at the Otago Community Hospice in Dunedin before returning home.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins acknowledged with great sadness the death of his colleague.
Hawkins said in a statement, Cull's death is terrible news for people across the Dunedin City Council and the region.
"He was a colleague, friend, and mentor to many, and I'm devastated for his whanau who deserved more time with Dave after his Mayoral duties were fulfilled."
Cull became mayor when Dunedin was divided over a stadium and worked to heal the rifts and bring greater focus to the city's direction, a statement from the council stated.
Hawkins outlined the council's ties with local Iwi are built on Cull's shoulders and his leadership of Local Government NZ was critical as it worked to tackle worldwide issues like climate change.
Both Hawkins and Dunedin City Council Chief Executive Sandy Graham said their thoughts are with Cull's family at this time.
