Bright, sunny send-off for Cardno

Frana Cardno's coffin is carried into the service by family members (clockwise from left) son...
Frana Cardno's coffin is carried into the service by family members (clockwise from left) son Paul, daughter Joanne, son Stephen, grandson Daniel Cardno and son Andrew. Photo by Allison Beckham.

Frana Cardno's funeral in Te Anau yesterday was as unique as she was.

The former long-time Southland District mayor's coffin arrived at the town's picturesque Ivon Wilson Park on the back of a vintage Model A truck and was carried to the front by family members, several waving banners aloft.

Her coffin was painted with flowers, native birds and handwritten messages and an invitation was issued for people to add their names and messages afterwards.

A traditional hymn was sung, along with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and the Birdie dance - a homage to Mrs Cardno's early career as a kindergarten teacher and her enduring love of children.

In accordance with her wishes, people wore brightly coloured clothing and brought bunches of garden flowers and native trees to plant at the park.

After almost a week of bad weather, Te Anau turned on a picture postcard day, though funeral celebrant Karl Lamb said Mrs Cardno had requested her funeral be held at the park wet or fine.

The crowd of about 700 people spread out in a clearing overlooking Lake Henry.

Among them were relatives, MPs and former MPs, mayors, Southland District councillors and staff, and many friends from Te Anau and further afield.

Mrs Cardno, of Croatian descent on her father's side, moved to Te Anau as a young mother.

A kindergarten teacher, she opened a private kindergarten which later became a public facility.

She first became involved in politics lobbying for a library for Te Anau.

That led to a 35-year contribution to local government which included 21 years as Southland's mayor.

She was the longest-serving female mayor in New Zealand history.

About a dozen speakers yesterday touched on common themes when describing Mrs Cardno - her positiveness - even when confronted with incurable bile duct cancer last year, her love for her family, unwavering energy, her tenacity, her passion for Southland and the environment, her ability to listen and build relationships, her ability to get things done, and her always-present smile.

Council colleague Paul Duffy said not many mayors would begin a letter to then prime minister Helen Clark by saying ''really Helen, this is not on''.

''Well, Frana did, and the outcome was an enduring and mutual respect and friendship,'' he said.

Miss Clark sent her condolences in a letter which was read by Andrew Cardno.

After the service, Mrs Cardno's coffin was transported on the vintage truck to the after-service gathering at the Te Anau Yacht Club, with family and mourners walking behind.

There many mourners lined up to sign the coffin while others shared stories and memories.

And Mrs Cardno would no doubt have approved as several children removed their socks and shoes and paddled in the lake.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement